IGBO WOOD SLAVER'S STOOL

19th century. 7 7/8" diameter. One piece carved to circular form with compressed supports between the top and ring base. The top carved in geometric relief with a central depression and its original round lid which allowed the deposit of gold dust secured by the trader sitting on it! Shows great age and decades of use with smooth glossy patina to the top and dark patina with wear and minor chips to the edges from handling and being thrown into a cart after the days work was done. The Igbo practiced slavery before the arrival of Europeans and sold slaves for export to the Caribbean after their arrival. Very rare.