Egypt and Folding Chairs

A drawing of King Tutankhamun shows him sitting on a forward-sloping stool that has its front legs shorter than those of the rear.

In the early history of Egypt, about 3100 B.C., workers sat on the ground, while Egyptians of high rank sat on cushioned stools. One of these stools, on display at the Royal Ontario Museum, reveals exceptional workmanship and advanced carpentry techniques. Then, in 2133 B.C., the portable, folding cross-legged stool made its appearance and became a favorite on the battlefield. It was constructed of two frames joined together by a piece of leather glued to each frame. Then around 1786 B.C., the three-legged stool appeared, and by 1567 B.C., many paintings showed tradesmen sitting on these stools to do their work. The stools had flared legs, which made them more stable than four-legged stools. By this time the folding stool had become a common piece of household furniture.

The Egyptian folding stool and, later, the Greek and Etruscan versions comprised the prototype of the Roman chair, or “sella curulis,” which was adapted to be used in the public tribunal during the republican period of Roman history. In all the ancient cultures—Egypt, Greece, Rome, and other Mediterranean lands—the folding chair was carried onto the battlefield, especially for the use of the commanding officers. These early versions were lightweight and portable and could be carried from one battlefield to another with ease.

Apparently folding chairs were also built for priests and royalty. For example, an ecclesiastical throne from around 1350 B.C. found in King Tutankhamun's tomb proved to be a highly decorated and well-crafted version of a folding chair—with back support, no less. A drawing of King Tutankhamun shows him sitting on a forward-sloping stool that has its front legs shorter than those of the rear. By this time, stools came in many different styles and were the most popular kind of seating for people of all classes. The folding chair was no longer a symbol of authority, but rather a common functional household item.

 

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