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Dignitary's Chair (asipim)

Dignitary's Chair (asipim)

Unknown

The carvings and imported brass tacks impart prestige. The three splats’ geometric designs carry references to wealth and power: Decorative motifs in Muslim architecture; spoons used to measure gold powder; and crocodiles in murals symbolizing royal and spiritual might. The joined construction and armless, slightly tilted back derive from European chairs brought to Ghana in the 16th to 18th centuries.
Artist
Unknown (Ghanian, Asante People)
Title
Dignitary's Chair (asipim)
Date
early 20th century
Medium
Wood, leather, and brass tacks
Dimensions
32 3/8 x 17 1/2 x 19 in. Overall
Credit
Gift of Drs. Gladys, Jay, Jeffrey, Jamie, and James Strain
Accession No.
1999.131.1
Classification
Furniture
Geography
Ghana

Related

8 December 1999, gifted by Drs. Gladys, Jay, Jeffrey, Jamie, and James Strain (Riverdale, NY) to the Elvehjem Museum of Art [now called Chazen Museum of Art]

  • Exhibition gallery guide, "Revealing Forms: African Art from the Elvehjem Collection." 2002.
  • Drewal, Henry John. "African Art at the Elvehjem." Bulletin/Biennial Report 2001-2003. Elvehjem Museum of Art (2003): 16-36. pp. 16-36

  • Revealing Forms: African Art from the Collection: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 4/20/2002–6/16/2002

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