1979.20.161

Collection type

Object

Description

Wooden 3 legged stool, used by women [RTS 13/5/2005].

Long description

Three legged stool of the type used by men, and sometimes older women, as was the case with this example. This has been carved from a tree branch whose shape, with 3 subsidiary branches coming off a central limb, is naturally suited for the intended purpose - an example of 'found form'. The bark has been stripped off the surface, and some smaller branches trimmed off, leaving a few knots protruding slightly from the orangey brown wood (Pantone 7510C). Burn marks suggest the trimming was done using fire. The larger, main branch forms the a narrow rectangular seat across the top; the upper part has been flattened while the underside remains convex. This has been cut flat at either end, one of which tapers slightly. There may be a zoomorphic element in this design. The surface has been smoothed and polished. 3 legs extend out from the underside of the seat, with flat cut bases that tend to rest on the side of the foot, rather than flat on the ground. 2 legs are positioned at the broader end of the stool, splaying out in opposite directions; the third leg is angled out from the back. The object is complete, but has a scar down one side of the front leg that seems to represent a characteristic of the original branch rather than later damage. There is also some insect damage in this area, and a few minor cracks near the end of the seat, while the base of the feet show use-wear on some parts of the surface. The stool has a weight of 611.5 grams, has a total length of 525 mm and is 180 mm high, while the seat is 405 mm long, 40.5 mm wide and 34 mm thick, while the legs have diameters of 26 mm, 23 mm and 22.2 mm [RTS 17/3/2005].

Geographical reference

South Sudan

Africa > Eastern Africa > South Sudan

Eastern Equatoria Napongayit

Cultural groups

Northern Laarim

Person

Field collector Patti Langton

PRM source Patti Langton

Date / Period

Date made: Before 1979

Date collected

24 March 1979

Acquisition information

Purchased: 1979

Materials and processes

Material Wood Plant, Process Carved, Process Burnt, Process Polished

Dimensions

Height: max 194 mm, Length: max 516 mm, Width: max 221 mm, Weight 611.5 g

Object numbers

Accession number: 1979.20.161 Other numbers: Langton Collection PL 54

Search terms: Furniture Dwelling, Status, Stool