Ashanti stool taken from the Palace of King Prempei at Kumasi during the 3rd Ashanti War, 1896

Stools are a highly significant feature of Ashanti religio-cultural iconography. They are perceived literally and metaphorically as seats of power. This example is known as a 'Mmaadwa', a female stool. In the Ashanti matrilineal society, this particular stool is meant to symbolise the soul of society. The curved seat, as well as rounded ridges and woodwork denote the 'gender' of the stool.