Royal Stool

This stool, richly embellished with strips of intricately patterned silver repoussé, is believed to be the ceremonial stool of a queen mother or high-ranking chief, despite the silver plaque identifying it as "King Koffee's State Chair." Asante stools of state are sacred symbols of political office. The installation, or "enstoolment" of an Asante king, chief or queen mother is accomplished by ritually placing the newly elected ruler upon the stool of office. Its distinctive form-a central shaft enclosed by curved supports-identifies it as a Kotokodwa, or "Porcupine stool," symbolizing invincibility.