Ékwè ọ́zọ́ (ọ́zọ́ chieftancy stool)
With its three distinct registers of concentric geometric and animal motifs, this seat likely belonged to one of the most highly regarded members of Igbo society: an ọ́zọ́. That distinction is awarded to those who demonstrate themselves to be paragons of honesty and judiciousness during times of crisis. While this title is now primarily acquired through donations of money, "taking ọ́zọ́" once required individuals to undergo a yearlong process of symbolic death, purification, and rebirth, punctuated by lavish communal feasting at their expense. In Igbo society a titleholder’s customized seat references his status when he attends council meetings and public gatherings. Incisions on the base and center platform of this work resemble the ichi cicatrices once worn on the faces of all ọ́zọ́.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ékwè ọ́zọ́ (ọ́zọ́ chieftancy stool)
- Artist: Igbo artist
- Date: late 19th–early 20th century
- Geography: Nigeria, Onitsha/Awka region(?)
- Culture: Igbo peoples
- Medium: Wood, paint
- Dimensions: H. 18 1/4 × W. 14 1/4 × D. 15 1/2 in. (46.4 × 36.2 × 39.4 cm)
- Classification: Wood-Furniture
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
- Object Number: 1979.206.251
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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Igbo artist
20th century
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