Throne/royal chair

Museum number: UEM19289 

Material: leather, wood and brass 

Region and culture: Upper Kasaï, Batshoko people. Is similar to chairs deriving from the Chokwe people.  

Description: Several Central African cultures transform functional objects into prestigious ones to reflect the power of kings and chiefs. This carved chair from Upper Kasaï reflects this sentiment. The chair belonged to the Balunda King in Upper Kasai. People belonging to the Batshoko-culture probably prepared the chair. One of the figures on the front of the chair display a man and a dog in a sitting position sleeping. According to information from the person who donated the chair, Major Kjelstrup, the symbolism represent the Balunda Kings dream. Height 85, 5 cm. Width 30 cm.  

Major Finn Kjelstrup gave the royal chair to the Ethnographic museum. May 1957.