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Palaver Chair - Barium/Birth Chair - Solid Hardwood - Malawi - 3rd Quarter of the 20th Century
€495Bid from €425
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ProfessionalVianen, NetherlandsOn Whoppah since March 2020 • 312 sales
Product description
Dimensions: (height with back) 91 x (width) 33.5 x (seat height) 30 cm
Origin: East and Central Africa, Malawi
Material: ebony
Color: brown
Period: 3rd quarter of the 20th century
Marked:
Condition: Good condition - Used with minimal signs of wear and age
A traditional, hand-carved African two-piece folding chair, often referred to as a palaver chair, chief's chair, or colloquially called an African 'birthing chair'. Two pieces of solid hardwood (often local hardwood such as ebony, teak, or mpingo) that slide together without nails or screws. The seat section extends through a recess in the backrest, allowing the chair to rest firmly on its legs and support point and be easily disassembled. Carving. The backrest features detailed hand-carved relief depicting scenes from daily village life, traditional rituals, agriculture, or local fauna and flora. This is a vintage item. This means it has been used. Items are not new or perfect, but they are very beautiful! Most vintage items show signs of wear. The extent to which these signs of wear are present is stated in the description. Photos are part of this description, so please examine them carefully. Vintage (read: used) items sometimes show color variations, uneven wear, and/or normal wear. Please take this into account when making a purchase. For shipping, the item will be carefully packed to prevent damage. This Palaver Chair, also known as the Birth Chair, is a striking piece of woodcarving from Malawi, dating from the third quarter of the twentieth century. The design is characterized by a two-part construction that slides easily into one another, making it a practical yet sculptural object. Crafted from solid hardwood, the backrest displays detailed, hand-carved scenes of figures in an agricultural or ceremonial setting. The deep brown color of the wood accentuates the texture and relief of the carving. The chair consists of a long backrest with a recess through which the seat and back leg pass, a traditional construction method for this type of furniture. The chair is in good condition commensurate with its age and use. The wood has developed an authentic patina that contributes to the character of the piece. The construction is fully functional, and the carved details have been well preserved. This piece of furniture comes into its own in an eclectic or worldly interior. It functions not only as an extra seat, but primarily as a conversation piece that adds a touch of tribal art and history to the space.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBrownMaterialWoodNumber of items1Height91 cmWidth33 cmDepth30 cmSeat height30 cmSigns of usageScratches
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Seller information
About this seller
ProfessionalVianen, NetherlandsOn Whoppah since March 2020 • 312 sales