T H R O N E - 人 座 人 /象徵主義 - 部落椅凳展


2013.9.14 - 2013.10.03




椅凳是非洲傳統文化的載體,靈感源基本都源於大自然,動物,樹木和土壤。據歷史記載,大部分在非洲部落和文化始終認為,人類真正的權力來自於樹木,河流,強大的動物,石頭和土壤。

在非洲許多部族文化中,椅凳是極私人的物件,被視為靈魂的載體。因此,每個人都視自己的椅凳為珍寶。生活中必不可少的椅凳也日益成為擁有者權力和社會地位的象徵。在一些部族中,只有部族首領、巫醫、權貴等人才能擁有自己的板凳。

非洲椅凳絕大部分是由一塊整木雕成的,多為兩腳、三腳,最多有五腳:通常在板凳支撐架上雕刻人或動物造型。 木凳上也經常雕刻著各種人物形象,有的是屈膝舉著雙手站立,有的是舉起雙手跪著,擁有人形椅凳是貴族的權力象徵。同樣,動物也成為非洲的意識形態中的重要組成部分。在動物雕像中有一部分可看作是人物雕像的補充、 修正或用來表現人們的某種特殊期待。如: 喀麥隆的巴米來科人就將像徵智慧的蜘蛛,及象徵速度和勇猛的獵豹雕刻在椅凳上。祂們認為居住於地下的蜘蛛是連接大自然的紐帶,獵豹則為椅凳擁有者帶來莫大的勇猛力量。

圖騰象徵的重要性,我們也可以從中國古代的椅子可以明顯看出,家具甚至是禮儀和等級名分的象徵。 首先,中國的椅子等級高於凳子,其次靠背椅(泛指有靠背的椅子)的等級高於扶手椅(無靠背的椅子),靠背椅中的寶座是專供帝王使用,象徵著最高統治者至高無上、獨一無二的權力和地位。

中國的皇帝座椅以龍為重要的圖騰 , 龍是代表權勢,高貴, 威嚴, 尊榮 ,幸運,成功,另外龍是由多種動物所組成,也意味著黃帝擁有跨領域的力量。 從遙遠以前就有許多關於龍的神話傳說, 龍如此令人敬畏因此在皇帝的座椅上總會見到盤旋的龍

另外, 看埃及的法老王座椅,是由金銀薄板包覆著木椅架構而成, 椅背部分是由金, 銀, 彩色玻璃寶石等材料打造 , 裝飾在椅背上的人物圖像採埃及典型 ” 樣式化 ” 的表現手法 , 也就是不重視人體正常的客觀透視性 , 而以方便能將身體各部位的特徵表現出來為目的. 據此而加以組合.。因此,座椅中,左邊的圖坦卡門法老王和右邊的王后都有著側面的頭部、正面的眼睛、傾正面的胸部及側面的腳部。圖像內容則是表達在太陽神阿唐的庇佑下,圖坦卡門的愛妻似乎一面為他塗抹香精油,一面在對他訴說著什麼,而圖坦卡門也專注地傾聽著,夫妻之間的親愛之情表露無遺,另外再扶手與椅腳上都有獸型的出現,側面也有鳥型翅膀的象徵,椅座由多種動物所構成,其表達出的訊息,都顯示出擁有者的不凡。

對於椅子,體現社會地位而非舒適性,曾長時間佔據人們的觀念。Galen Cranz在其著述《椅子》(The Chair)中闡述椅子發展史時曾提到,相當長的時間裡,“放眼世界,'椅子'和'坐在椅子上'已經成為了一種象徵。無論東方與西方,椅子的含義雖不相同,但都表示地位和身份。


『 T H R O N E - 人 座 人 』

Symbolism -Tribal Stool Exhibition


Stool is a traditional African culture carrier, basic inspiration sources are from nature, animals, trees and soil. According to historical records, the majority of the African tribes and cultures have always believed that the real power comes from the human trees, rivers, powerful animals, stones and soil.

In many African tribal cultures, stool is very personal objects, which is considered the soul of the carrier and everyone is depending on their stools as treasure. Stool is also becoming the power of the owners and symbol of social status. In some tribes, only the tribal chiefs, shamans, dignitaries and other people can have their own bench.

Most African stool is made from a whole wood. They have two legs, three legs, up to five feet: usually it carved human or animal shapes on the bench support frame. Wooden benches are often carved with a variety of characters, some holding hands, bending knee, some raised two hands and knees. Holding human stool is a noble power symbol. Similarly, the animals become Africa's important part of the ideology. The animal figure statues can be seen as a supplement of human status, amend or used to represent particular expectation of human. For example: Cameroon Bami curve spiders which represent wisdom, and cheetah , which represent speed and brave on the stool. They consider spiders living underground are the link to nature spider. Cheetah bring strength to the stool owners.

The symbol’s importance of totem can seen from the ancient china chairs and furniture. They represent etiquette and grade birthright. First of all, Chair is higher than the stool, second, backrest chair’s rank is higher than the armchair (without backrest) Throne is used exclusively for the emperor, represent the supreme, unique power and standing.

China Emperor take dragon as an important seat totem. Dragon represents power, elegance, dignity, honor, good luck and success. Dragon is composed by a variety of animals, also means the Emperor has interdisciplinary power. There are many myths and legends about dragons From the distant past. Dragons are so awe in the therefore they are always seen on emperor's seat.

Moreover, , the Egyptian Pharaoh seat is constructed with gold and silver plate to cover wooden seat, back part is made of gold, silver, precious stones and other materials, the figure images decorated on the back using Egypt typical "styling" as the expression, it doesn’t emphasize the body's normal objective perspective, but the characteristics of the various parts of the body as the purpose, accordingly to combine. Therefore, amid the seat, the Tutankhamun Pharaoh on the left and the queen on the right side both have a side head, the front of the eyes, lean front of the chest and the side of the foot. The image of the content express in the blessing of the sun god Etang , Tutankhamun's wife seems to apply essential oils for her husband and telling something to him, simultaneously, Tutankhamun also listened intently. The dear feeling between husband and wife revealed clearly. In addition, the beast shape are appeared on the handrails legs , the side are also show the symbol of a bird type. The variety of animals form the seat express the message of extraordinary owners.

The concept that chairs reflect social status rather than comfort has occupied the mindset of the people for long time. Galen Cranz in his writings, "chair" (The Chair) outlined the history of the chair, he mentioned, quite a long time, "see the world, 'chair' and 'sit on the chair' has become a symbol of both East and the West, have expressed their status and identity.





106 台 北 市 大 安 區 建 國 南 路 一 段 2 0 2 號     +886 2 2752 6373      44artgallery@gmail.com   
No.202, Sec. 1  Jianguo S. Rd. Da’an Dist. 106   Taipei, Taiwan          
︎ Facebook       ︎ Instagram       ︎ Line