Exploration of how social roles and status influenced the anthropometric design of wooden chairs in the kandyan period of Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of social roles and status on the anthropometric design, symbolism, and material language of wooden chairs during the Kandyan period in Sri Lanka. Despite historical documentation of Kandyan furniture, empirical research on the relationship between seating dimensions and social hierarchy remains limited. Using a mixed-methods approach that combined literature review, field case studies, photographic surveys, and manual measurements of museum collections, the study identifies clear correlations between social status and chair design. Royal and monastic chairs featured elevated seat heights, wider proportions, and intricate symbolic carvings, often exceeding contemporary ergonomic standards, whereas commoners primarily used floor-level seating, reflecting spatial and social subordination. Comparative analysis with Neufert’s ergonomic references reveals a deliberate prioritization of formality and symbolism over physical comfort in elite seating. The findings contribute measurable evidence to heritage furniture studies and provide insights for contemporary furniture design, ergonomic reinterpretation, and cultural heritage preservation.