Lot #104: Vintage African Hand Carved Wooden Palaver Birthing Chair

African Palaver or birthing chair (also called a birth chair or stargazer chair) is a traditional, hand-carved two-piece wooden chair. Made of two solid wooden planks that slot or slide together, allowing the chair to easily lock apart for flat storage and transport, featuring detailed relief carvings on the backrest and seat. Historically used across regions of Africa (such as Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria) to support low-to-the-ground birthing positions, they also function as ceremonial seating for tribal elders or community palaver (discussion) gatherings. Highly sought-after folk art collectibles and decorative bohemian statement pieces. The intricate relief carving on the backrest of your birthing chair tells a traditional cultural story, a bearded elder or chieftain he is holding a traditional long-stemmed smoking pipe up to his mouth, which historically symbolizes wisdom, contemplation, and high social status within a community. He wears a textured loincloth or ceremonial skirt. Slung over his shoulder is a decorative pouch or scabbard, and he holds an object resembling a localized ritual tool or traditional fan. To his left, a large, dome-shaped structured pattern represents a traditional thatched-roof hut or granary. At his feet sits a collection of woven baskets and a long-necked gourd (calabash), which is traditionally used to store water, palm wine, or seeds. The carving on the seat portion of the chair highlights traditional African defense and protective symbols. Dimensions: 31.25” h x 15” w x 41” d Pickup category timeslot {A}