| Many Africans, like the Ashanti,
believe that the stool houses the soul of its owner. The chief's stool
is of particular importance, as the well-being of the kingdom is often
believed to be a reflection of the chief's soul; therefore, the well-being
of the kingdom is directly related to the stool and its protection.
After a chief's death, his stool is often preserved with him in his
burial shrine. The Ashanti people also believe that their Golden Stool,
pictured next to the seated man to the left, is said to house not
only the soul of the chief, but also the collective soul of the Ashanti
people; as such, the Golden Stool is not for sitting! |
