Chair
Ngombe peoples, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wood, brass and iron tacks
National Museum of African Art,
museum purchase, 90-4-1

As with Legrain's tabouret, this Ngombe chair's intricate ornamented pattern signifies its owner's wealth. Brass carpet tacks--a European trade item--cover the upper and lower parts of the stool, while iron tacks create a special decorative accent. This chair once probably belonged to a chief.