We are pleased to offer a superb example of an Ashanti Asipim chair, a museum-quality artifact believed to have been owned by an Ashanti chief. This chair, a symbol of royal power and social status, showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of the Asante people of Ghana and was traditionally used by chiefs during meetings with their subjects.

Dimensions:

• Structure: Comprised of wood with intricate brass studs and turned brass finials on the back-rest rails.
• Seat: Original stretched hide seat that demonstrates both durability and elegance.
• Design: The back-rest inclines in the traditional Asipim style and features three pierced struts with a geometric design.

Condition:

• The chair remains in very good condition considering its age and use.
• Minor Issues: A few missing brass studs and the hide seat has slightly detached at the back.
• Patina: The chair has developed a superb patina over the years, adding to its historical charm.
• The structure remains strong, and the overall integrity of the chair is intact, making it a remarkable collector’s piece.

Historical Significance:

The Asipim chair was traditionally used by Ashanti chiefs in their royal courts. These chairs were typically leaned against walls when not in use and were a key marker of the chief’s social rank. The more chairs a chief owned, the greater his stature within the Ashanti community. These chairs were patterned after 17th and 18th-century English Farthingale chairs, blending European influence with African artistry.

The Ashanti people are renowned for their rich culture and highly structured society, and objects such as this Asipim chair were not only functional but symbolic. Chiefs would sit on the chair during meetings, while their subjects would kneel or sit on the ground in submission, underscoring the chief’s elevated position in Ashanti society.

Cultural and Aesthetic Value:

This chair is a prime example of Ashanti craftsmanship, where brass studs and intricate geometric patterns blend with woodwork to create an elegant yet functional piece of furniture. The originality of the materials used—brass, wood, and stretched hide—speaks to the artistic vision and symbolism within Ashanti culture.

This museum-quality piece is an incredibly rare and important example of African heritage, offering not only visual appeal but also a rich cultural narrative. Its history, craftsmanship, and the symbolism attached to it make it a truly remarkable collectible.