Cameroonian Wood Stool

An H of wood, ridged on the sides and deeply polished.

This wooden stool was made in Cameroon, Central Africa, in the 20th century. Stools like this are often associated with household seating and with rank in Cameroon. The dished seat sits above two thick, upright supports with a slot between them, and the support sides are carved with fine horizontal grooves. A small bar crosses the opening. The wood is a dark brown with a glossy, hand-worn surface, and the seat shows some scattered pits.

About 10 inches high and 15 inches wide. A steady little thing with a lot of grain.