Small Kisumbi-Type Stool – Lega – DR Congo – Wood – Early 20th Century Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo People: Lega (attributed) Type: Small traditional stool, Kisumbi type Material(s): Wood Dimensions: 20 × 13.5 × 10 cm Period: Early 20th century (presumed) Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner in the early 1990s A remarkable small wooden stool attributed to the Lega people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, displaying an exceptionally rich and deeply aged patina. Its construction recalls the traditional kisumbi stools associated with the Lega Bwami initiation society. Among the Lega, kisumbi stools were more than simple pieces of furniture. They could serve as symbols of prestige and rank within the Bwami, an institution central to the moral, social and spiritual life of the community. This example is particularly compelling for its intimate dimensions, elegant architecture and extraordinary signs of age and use. The elongated, gently concave seat rests upon a compact arrangement of carved supports, whose rounded and angular forms create a strong sculptural rhythm. The seat displays a beautiful dark brown patina, almost black in places, with a remarkable depth of colour and a surface polished and softened by prolonged handling and use. The original lower base has suffered extensive erosion and is now largely missing. Its surviving fragments reveal the underlying structure of the sculpture, with lighter exposed wood contrasting beautifully with the darker, polished surfaces. The piece has undergone considerable material loss over time, yet its essential architectural conception remains clearly recognizable. There is something especially moving about the survival of this modest object. Its worn surfaces, softened contours and fragmentary lower structure give it an almost archaeological presence. The contrast between the relatively well-preserved seat and the severely eroded base is particularly striking. An evocative and characterful example of traditional Central African woodcarving, of particular interest to collectors of small African stools, headrests and ethnographic objects. Condition Heavily worn and incomplete, with extensive age-related erosion. The original lower base is largely missing, with considerable losses of wood. The seat is substantially preserved, showing pronounced surface wear, cracks, scratches, abrasions, small chips and irregularities along the edges. The surviving supports show erosion and surface losses. Beautiful, deep, varied old patina, with lighter exposed wood visible in the damaged areas. The object is offered as an ethnographic collectible, not as functional seating. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an essential part of the condition description. Included The wooden stool only. No display stand included.