Ozo Title Stool, 19th-20th century. Met Museum.
In parts of Alaigbo, Ozo title holders receive stools carved from a single block of wood. The level of intricacy in the carving typically reflects the holder’s rank, with more elaborate designs indicating higher Ozo status.
During Ozo meetings, these stools are brought by a young male relative, and titleholders sit according to their rank, as it is prohibited for an Ozo titleholder to sit on the ground. In some cases, an Ozo stool is buried with its owner, with the body seated on the stool in a burial chamber.
The stool shown here is one of the more ornate designs used by highly ranked Ozo titleholders.
