A striking hand-carved Ashanti stool from Ghana, West Africa, dating to approximately the 1920s–40s. Carved from a single piece of tropical hardwood in the form of an elephant, it’s a beautifully sculptural piece with a rich sense of history and wonderful decorative presence.
Ashanti, or Asante, stools are traditionally carved from a single block of wood and are instantly recognisable by their distinctive curved seats. Within Asante culture, stools hold particular significance and can be associated with identity, status and authority. The elephant itself is a powerful symbol traditionally associated with leadership and strength, making this an especially impressive example.
The carving has a lovely sense of movement and character, from the sweeping crescent-shaped seat to the elephant’s sculpted body, trunk and tusks. Its warm, richly patinated surface has developed through decades of age and use, giving the piece an individuality that simply cannot be recreated.
Carefully restored and presented in excellent antique condition, with plenty of polished-in marks, knocks and variations to the surface that form part of its history and character. One of the tusks has an old repair, which can be seen in the photographs. Please take a close look through all images, as these form an important part of the description.
A fabulous piece of 20th-century African craftsmanship — equally beautiful displayed as a sculptural object or used as an occasional stool, bringing texture, history and character to an interior.
Dimensions:
Width: 59cm
Height: 51cm / 56cm
Depth: 26cm
Furniture Delivery Service
- Specialist courier: items are fully insured & handled with care by our tried and trusted couriers.
- Delivery charge varies by location, size and weight - automatically applied at checkout.
- Timescales: Usually within 10 working days. Scotland & farther afield may take longer.
- View the main Delivery Page for more information on our furniture delivery service.
- If you have a specific request or need an item urgently, please email us prior to purchase.
Our restoration process
Preparation
We carefully assess every piece, identifying any damage, repairs or replacement parts it may need. Drawers may need new runners, handles can be missing or damaged, and joints may require repair or reinforcement. We look beyond the surface to uncover hidden defects, ensuring each piece is restored to work as it was originally intended.
Restoration
With over 20 years of experience, we know that the right restoration techniques can make all the difference. It’s a delicate process that takes patience, skill and attention to detail — one we’ve taken the time to perfect. Each piece is carefully and sensitively restored, preserving its original character and charm while giving it a new lease of life.
Finishing
Finally, we add the finishing touches — whether that’s painting, oiling or sealing, fitting new handles, hinges or catches, or simply giving the piece a final clean and polish. We make sure every piece is ready for modern living, giving it a new lease of life and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to be loved for generations to come.
Before and after
Each piece is carefully and sympathetically restored to preserve the character, charm and beautiful details that make it unique. The result is a truly individual piece of furniture, thoughtfully restored for
modern living and ready to bring warmth, personality and timeless style to your home for years to come.
