Stool Item Number: Aj130 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Stool carved from single piece of wood; seat is oblong with pointed ends, and is widest near the ends and narrower at the center with a slight dip towards the centre. The base is a hollowed-out, conical shape, which then extends into a relatively flat stem with slightly curved sides. Several copper staples overall. A curved, copper handle made of a thick wire with ends inserted through two holes in the stem and bent back to secure the handle. Slightly polished finish. Part a: base and part of seat. Part b: seat fragment.

History Of Use

Stools are considered private and personal property of the owner and are part of a man's accessories. Each man carries his stool in accordance with the rules of the tribe, for the number of legs indicates his age group (only elders are entitled to a three-legged stool). Stools are awarded to a man when he achieves the second highest rank, and he will retain it for the rest of his life. After his death, it is inherited by the next new initiate who is related to him. They serve as seats when resting, eating, or watching dance performances. Also serve as accessories at ceremonies.

Narrative

Stools are made by men from a single piece of wood using a short-handled axe. They are finished off by sanding with an abrasive leaf and oiled down with butterfat.

Item History

What

Name
Stool
Identification Number
Aj130 a-b
Type of Item
stool
Material
goat butter fat, copper metal and wood
Manufacturing Technique
carved, pierced, oiled and sanded
Overall
height 20.7 cm, width 39.0 cm, depth 11.0 cm

Who

Culture
Karamojong
Previous Owner
Eleanore C. Treutle Stephens
Received from
Eleanore C. Treutle Stephens (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Uganda ?

When

Creation Date
before 1952
Collection Date
during 1952
Ownership Date
before February 28, 1983
Acquisition Date
on February 28, 1983

Other

Condition
poor
Accession Number
0884/0001 a-b