Nupe Eight Legged Stool

Eight legs, each in its own color, like a small stage production.

Nupe makers of Nigeria, West Africa, carved this eight-legged stool in wood in the 20th century. Low stools are commonly part of Nupe households and are valued as both seats and as carved furniture. A broad oval seat is incised on the top with a lattice and geometric border, and eight thick, tapering legs support it. Several legs keep traces of blue, green, red and yellow paint, with simple painted motifs. The tabletop wood is pale, with a warm and slightly weathered surface.

About 9.5 inches high and nearly 16 wide. Eight legs, very few apologies.