Antique Tonga Stool, Zimbabwe

Description of Significance:

Tonga stools are traditional handcrafted stools from the Tonga people of the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Carved from a single hardwood piece for durability, these low, round or oval stools feature a simple, polished style with minimal decoration, though some include subtle carvings with cultural or spiritual meanings. Passed down through generations, each stool is crafted with skill and cultural reverence. Beyond daily seating, Tonga stools hold ceremonial significance in gatherings, weddings, and rites, where they may signify the owner's rank, with special stools reserved for chiefs or elders.

This antique stool with its rich patina, reflects years of use as a portable seat. It is sturdy enough to serve as low seating or a side table and its sculptural quality makes it a striking centerpiece or design accent. Genuine, well-worn Tonga stools like this one are rare, embodying both Zimbabwean artistry and functional craftsmanship.

Country of Origin:

• Hand carved for use in Zimbabwe

Dimensions (inches):

• Depth: 12"
• Width: 11"
• Height: 14"

About Antique African Art:

Hemingway Gallery only purchases pieces from artists or owners that we approve of historically and aesthetically. These might include artworks that have been newly created and are currently being used in ceremonies. We place high value in these pieces, despite their lack of age and antiquity, regarding them as real even though they are not old. Some are created for use by the people and not made for the tourist trade. 

Our Pricing:

Our pricing correlates directly to the asking prices of artists, artisans and art dealers in the various African countries we collect from and the costs of importing their artwork to the U.S. We need to change the idea that artists should be paid pennies for their fine art just because it comes from Africa. Paying a fair price to our artists is our number one priority and our pricing reflects that.

Shipping:

• Subsidized FedEx Ground Shipping: $30
• A declared value is included in the shipping so a signature is required for delivery.
• We ship around the world! Our website is still new and is not yet processing automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the mainland USA (including Hawaii and Alaska).