Trône de Zanzibar dit Kita cha enzi

This throne is made of ebony wood panels
decorated with palm leaf rope. It features a
wide, high backrest, accompanied by armrests
and a footrest. Circular decorative elements
and toothed bone friezes separate the various
panels. The backrest is surmounted by a
pediment inlaid in bone with bird, floral and
geometric motifs. loral bone friezes frame
the back.
A similar kita cha enzi is in the British Museum
(N Af1962,0.1).

Kita cha enzi, literally “chair of power”, is a
type of chair made in Mombasa and on the
islands of Pate, Lamu and anzibar, often
commissioned by wealthy families. This type
of chair was generally reserved for ceremonies
or honorary visits, and served to highlight the
wealth or social status of its owner.