Featured Antique african milking stool

Hi all,this one of the best things (well according to me) that I found a while back. Not because of monetary value but due to the age and character that it shows. It’s obviously handmade/farm made with an animal hide seat. Iam thinking 120-150 years old (not sure how I came to that conclusion ) Our furniture experts will obviously know much better than me. It’s 24x22cm and stands 26cm tall. Thanks for any comments

 

Really hard to say how old something like this is. I do think antique or nearly so. I don't see 150 years of age on this.

 

Thanks. I understand is difficult to say for sure. It can also be a Chokwe stool but it looks like those are normally decorated. Which would also be very cool. Like this one:
https://www.botanicalboys.com/products/chokwe-stool-30-1

 

https://www.bowers.org/collections-blog/seat-of-power-prestige-chairs-of-the-chokwe

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1703508853/chokwe-lozi-stool-301

https://www.activity10.shop/goods/Lozi-Stool-Square-3980660

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-...-hide-stool-w-animal-carvings-94-c-0254d5d98c

 

Sure looks like the one in the link you posted.

 

150 years is really old when it comes to African antiques that are randomly floating around in the world. Once you get into the 19th century African items become infinitely more rare than goods from more developed areas. African craftsman are also incredibly good at making things look older than they are. They are also often just incredibly good craftsman for that matter. I’d think it’s much more likely to be mid century ish and just well worn but I’m not a professional. Neat piece! I’d have brought it home at the right price. I saw a couple pretty good African collections at sales this year. Grabbed one headrest from first sale and bunch of carvings from second. The headrest was really nice. Very simple but elegant. It sold quickly and went to Europe. That’s where the money is strongest on good African stuff. The stuff from second sale mostly isn’t listed yet. The best piece is a helmet mask which I think I’m keeping. Actually just sold a nice African piece today that’s been listed for years. That’s usually how long it takes for my African stuff to sell. Even good stuff. The head rest happened to be extra good.

 

Thanks for the opinion. Naturally I see a hell of a lot of African stuff on a weekly/daily basis. In antique stores,secondhand and charity shops, auction houses,boutique and african market shops. And then also while travelling our neighbouring countries.Sometimes whole little collections of carved masks and stone sculptures/figures and other items gets donated to charity shops. Almost always tourist or curio related stuff even if sometimes older. I have seen and bought carved head rests for less than $2. African cratsmen are very good and talented but when they make things for the tourist or trade market they mainly focus on quick sell popular things/items.

Iam certainly no expert on African items. As a general rule I don’t even buy African stuff. But I have never seen a stool like this for sale and that’s how I know it’s a unique piece and ‘good’. Proper African tribal antiques are rare on market. This little stool might not be 150 years old but Iam very confident that’s a proper well used antique and to me a great addition to my little general collection.