In the collection ofArt Institute of Chicago
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Chair · Kenya
Chair (Kiti Cha Enzi)
Swahili · Kenya · 19th century
This chair illustrates the complex history of trade and conquest in the region known as the Swahili Coast. The region's natural harbors first invited exchange with partners in the Persian Gulf and Western India. Later, the Portuguese, Omani, and British imposed their authority. Each conquering state brought goods, practices, and other foreign influences, which local artisans artfully synthesized and reshaped in their own chairs.
— Art Institute of Chicago, catalogue text
The same form in other collections
The pieces nearest to this one across the eight museums — by form, region and date together, not by keyword.
Members have built this form
From the Member Gallery — original work, photographed by the people who made it.
