Antique West African Chair

Made from hand-carved hardwood with a leather seat and embellished profusely with brass sheets and studs culminating in decorative brass finials. The carved knot that features on the the front and back rails is known as the ‘Wisdom Knot’ a symbol of intelligence and unity.

The X-frame and the decorative flourishes of the chair were based on the folding 17th-century baroque chairs that European visitors bought with them, these designs then became popular to emulate and make their own for Asante royalty during the 19th Century.

Akonkromfi translates as praying mantis which refers to the articulated form of both the chair and the insect. Akonkromfi chairs were exclusively used by Asante chiefs and royalty ceremonially and on state occasions.

This example was found by the previous owner when clearing an attic in an old industrial building in Bermondsey, London, tied to eaves and covered in dust. It had been there for many many years.

Probably dating to the mid-late 19th century, circa 1850-1880.

Akonkromfi chairs seem to be fairly rare in comparison to the more common Asapim chairs I can’t find any other examples that have sold at auction but there are some similar examples in museum collections across the world including The British Museum, The Brooklyn Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago and The Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Davis Museum and The Harn Museum

The chair is in good vintage order for its age. We have left it in completely original condition as it was found. There is wear commensurate with age throughout. The construction is fairly rudimentary mainly using nails so there is some slight movement in the arms but I think this is how they always have been. The rest of the chair seems pretty solid. There are some old repairs and minor losses throughout but these appear to be original and from its years being used ceremonially in Africa. The leather seat is original and has some wear but has hardened naturally over time, we have tested it to be secure enough to sit on but I wouldn’t have thought you would want to use it as an everyday chair for sitting on and it may be more of a decorative piece.

Approximate measurements 97cm high x 69cm wide x 67cm deep. The seat height is roughly 43cm.

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