Asipim
Asipim which means "I stand firm" in Asanti twi is a royal chair in Asante society.[1] It is a sign of power and prestige exclusively used by chiefs.[2][3] Chiefs sit on it during public and private occasions as their subjects sit on the ground.[4] Its origins are in Ghana and it is built from wood, brass and leather. The preference for stools as a seat kept the Asipim on a low profile.[5] It dates between the early 19th and 20th century,[3] dating 1875 - 1925.[3] The Asipim ''I stand firm" ,refers to both the ruler's strength and stability.
Motifs pressed into the brass at the back of the chair delineate the owners profile.[1][5] It is usually leaned on walls when not in use.
Construction[edit]
The asipim is made of wood, brass and hide. It is believed to be modeled after 17th or 18th century chairs of English "farthingale".[3][4] Ntuatires are turned brass finials that are attached to the chairs at the very top to represent an eagle's claw.[1]
Appearance and structure[edit]
They are decorated with brass tracks, caps, brass finials,[1] and incised or stamped brass sheet. The surface on the outside is covered with leather and with brass. The lower part of the chair is made out of wood with short straight legs and four stretchers. It has a wide flat seat short back with no arms.[2]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d "Collections | National Museum of African Art". africa.si.edu. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
- ^ a b "Ghana Asipim (Chief's Chair)". Digital Collections at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
- ^ a b c d "Asante Asipim Chairs". www.hamillgallery.com. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
- ^ a b "Local Ashanti King's Asipim Chair". Michael Backman Ltd. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
- ^ a b "Royal Chair (Asipim)". The Art Institute of Chicago. Retrieved 2019-05-04.