Swahili Chair

49. These chairs were found along the Swahili coast including many of the adjacent islands but were made only in Mombasa, Pate, Lamu and Zanzibar. Dating to the late 19th century, this example is unusual in having no inlay and of less complex design than the other known examples which would indicate that this belonged to a less important individual. The more expensive versions being only affordable by the wealthy. Known as “kite cha enzi” or chairs of power. There are several examples in the collections of the British Museum. Some damage to the cane work foot rest.

55cm x 106cm.