Cameroonian Wood Stool

Dotted legs, a plank seat and a firm sense of purpose.

This stool comes from the Grasslands of Cameroon, Central Africa, and is carved in wood from the 20th century. Low seats like it are commonly associated with rank and are sometimes carried by their owners. A thick, rounded seat sits over two sloping, splayed legs studded with rows of small dots, which stand on a flat, pale board. The legs meet at a notched, carved center. The surface is dark brown and glossy on the seat.

About 12 inches high, 14 wide and 11 deep. Low, wide and quietly decorated.