GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This low, saddle-shaped stool (ebonga) was considered a status symbol in Ngala society. By definition, prestige objects are made of expensive materials and require a specialist to make them. Until the early 20th century, brass tacks were expensive because they were imported from Europe and thus difficult to obtain. A sculptor carved the stool and created a subtle pattern with the metal tacks. Such a prestigious stool would have belonged to a chief, an individual of high social status, or a religious leader. Although the stool is now dull with age, when it was in use the tacks were polished to a high shine.
Excerpt from
- Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, Arts of Africa, 2015.
NOTES
Melvin Dwork, a previous owner who was in correspondence with Roz about the stool's provenance, was an icon of interior design and a prominent gay rights activist in New York city. He had been dishonorably discharged from the Navy for being gay. (His dishonorable discharge was converted to honorable in 2011). I feel like this tidbit would be great in a blog post/ other content about the role of african art in mid-century modern interior design and 20th cent art in general - or even as a fun fact. Not sure if we're permitted to use it publicly though. 6/21/18, CLC).
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PROVENANCE
1994-2013: Melvin Dwork, (1922-2016), New York, NY, by inheritance
2013-2015: Private collection, purchased at auction, "English, Continental and American Furniture, Decorations, Paintings and Jewelry," Stair Auctioneers and Appraisers, Hudson, NY, June 22, 2013, lot 147, as “Ngala stool”
By 2015: Jacaranda LLC, New York, NY [1]
2015: Dallas Museum of Art, African Collection Fund, purchase from above
The main source for this provenance is the Acquisition Consideration Authorization form dated May 26, 2015, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records object file. Exceptions and and supporting documentation are noted.
[1] See purchase order from Carol Griffin of the Dallas Museum of Art to Jacaranda LLC, copy in object file.
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General Description
This low, saddle-shaped stool (ebonga) was considered a status symbol in Ngala society. By definition, prestige objects are made of expensive materials and require a specialist to make them. Until the early 20th century, brass tacks were expensive because they were imported from Europe and thus difficult to obtain. A sculptor carved the stool and created a subtle pattern with the metal tacks. Such a prestigious stool would have belonged to a chief, an individual of high social status, or a religious leader. Although the stool is now dull with age, when it was in use the tacks were polished to a high shine.
Excerpt from
- Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, Arts of Africa, 2015.
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
Web Resources
Notes
Melvin Dwork, a previous owner who was in correspondence with Roz about the stool's provenance, was an icon of interior design and a prominent gay rights activist in New York city. He had been dishonorably discharged from the Navy for being gay. (His dishonorable discharge was converted to honorable in 2011). I feel like this tidbit would be great in a blog post/ other content about the role of african art in mid-century modern interior design and 20th cent art in general - or even as a fun fact. Not sure if we're permitted to use it publicly though. 6/21/18, CLC).
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Cultures
Geography
Process/materials
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
1994-2013: Melvin Dwork, (1922-2016), New York, NY, by inheritance
2013-2015: Private collection, purchased at auction, "English, Continental and American Furniture, Decorations, Paintings and Jewelry," Stair Auctioneers and Appraisers, Hudson, NY, June 22, 2013, lot 147, as “Ngala stool”
By 2015: Jacaranda LLC, New York, NY [1]
2015: Dallas Museum of Art, African Collection Fund, purchase from above
The main source for this provenance is the Acquisition Consideration Authorization form dated May 26, 2015, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records object file. Exceptions and and supporting documentation are noted.
[1] See purchase order from Carol Griffin of the Dallas Museum of Art to Jacaranda LLC, copy in object file.
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