Cameroonian Wood Stool

Crisscrossed wooden diamonds, with plenty of light between them.

Carvers of Cameroon, Central Africa, made this wooden stool in the 20th century. Stools like this are commonly associated with seating and with symbols of status in the Cameroon Grassfields. The top is a dished disc, and below it the column is an open lattice of crossed bands forming diamonds. A thick round foot supports it all. The wood is dark brown and shows a soft, glossy finish where hands have rubbed it.

About 15 inches tall and 14 inches wide. Light plays through the openings, and the cat does too.