An important and ancient ceremonial stool carved with a beautiful female figure supporting the seat and symbolizing an assistant. In the ancient tradition of the lagoon ethnic groups, the chief was accompanied by a young girl whose beauty contributed to his prestige, but whose virginal purity was also intended to protect him from malevolent acts, especially witchcraft. This rare specimen, which served as an altar dedicated to the cult of the ancestor and chief concerned, is an exceptional example of a very fine ancient style. Abron or Agni (Anyi), Ivory Coast or Ghana, 19th or early 20th century Hardwood, old cracks, small accidents, very fine old oxidation and very fine sacrificial patina. Height: 42cm Provenance: Bernard Sabatier Collection, Paris Bernard Sabatier Collection, Paris Private collection, France