In the collection ofArt Institute of Chicago
Royal Chair (Akonkromfi), Asante, Probably mid–/late 19th century, Wood, brass, and leather
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Chair · Ghana

Royal Chair (Akonkromfi)

Asante · Ghana · Probably mid–/late 19th century

At the height of Asante power in the 18th and 19th centuries, a wide variety of decorative seats, ranging from stools to chairs and palanquins, were developed as symbols of rulership. The wooden frame of this akonkromfi chair is covered with brass knobs, tacks, and decorative repousséd sheeting. Akonkromfi means "praying mantis," a reference to the chair's crossed legs, which are derived from a European folding-chair prototype.

— Art Institute of Chicago, catalogue text
Medium
Wood, brass, and leather
Dimensions
104.2 × 55.9 × 48.3 cm (41 × 22 × 19 in.)
Accession
2000.347
Credit line
Purchased with funds provided by Jamee J. and Marshall Field

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