Cameroonian Wood Stool

Figures and reptiles below, one calm round seat on top.

This stool comes from Cameroon and dates to the 20th century. It is carved wood. In Cameroon, a carved stool could be far more than a place to sit, since seating often marked rank, and the imagery cut into it spoke to the standing of its owner. Standing figures with pale inlaid-looking eyes link arms around the lower drum. Cross-hatched reptiles run above them on a raised ring, under a thick, smooth, dished seat. It stands 19.5 inches high and measures 20.5 in diameter.

Sitting down here requires some nerve.