According to legend the Asante empire of Akan-speaking people on the Gold Coast, West Africa, was founded in the 17th century when a golden stool descended from heaven into the lap of the first king, Osei Tutu. Stools became sacred and symbolic, used by rulers and passed down through the generations.
A stool was thought to contain the soul of its owner and, when not being used, it was put on its side to stop evil spirits sitting on it. Stools were carved from a single piece of wood, with different designs and meanings. They were given as gifts on marriage and passed from father to son. This stool was specifically carved for a woman.
© Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives
Accession reference: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives, E4858
Themes
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Africa before Transatlantic Enslavement
The history of Africa and African people does not begin nor end with transatlantic slavery. Understand what Africa was like and what the continent lost as a result of the trade.
Background Reading
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The Lost Libraries Of Timbuktu
Until recently, many commentators on Africa claimed that African societies had no tradition of writing. With the rediscovery of ancient manuscript collections, some dating back to the 8th century AD, this perception is changing.
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Introduction To Various African Kingdoms