Cameroonian Wood Stool

Stacked rings, one on top of another, with a crack for character.

Cameroonian carvers of Central Africa made this wooden stool in the 20th century. Stools like this are commonly associated with status, ceremony and household use in the region. A round flat seat rests on a column formed of three stacked, swollen rings, and a wide oval base spreads beneath. A clean split runs through the seat and base. The wood is a pale, sun-dried tan to gray with a soft, chalky look.

About 10 inches high. It sits like a tiny tower. Treat it as a side table.