A pair of Indo-Afro-Portuguese chairs Ebony structure Removable sides, arms and foot rest Triangular pediment shaped crest of ivory and bone inlaid decoration of geometrical, floral and abstract elements Rectangular caned and rope mesh seat Wooden and caned arm panels Wooden and rope mesh panels to front lower legs Caned and rope mesh foot rest Africa, Mombasa region 17th century (minor losses and faults) 124x72,5x59 cm Closely related to courtly ritual ceremonial, chairs were essential instruments for the representation of power, both in the realm and in the territories overseas, being object of diplomatic gifts since the early years of the Portuguese Expansion. Referred to in some of the literature as Indo-Afro-Portuguese, such chairs were in fact made exclusively in northern Indian, as may be seen from contemporary furniture produced there with similar decoration and materials. The inclusion of the footrest on the armchairs reveals their importance as a symbol of royal rank. This type of armchair, known as “Mombasa”, are found on the East African coast, in areas of Portuguese influence, which were ports on the important commercial route between Goa and Lisbon. The rectilinear form of the armchair appears to be based in sixteenth century Spanish chairs and Indo-Portuguese models, while its decoration reflects an intermingling of Indo-European and African styles.