Nupe Eight Legged Stool

A woven-looking lattice across the seat, and legs gone to dark.

Nupe carvers of Nigeria, West Africa, made this eight-legged stool in wood in the 20th century. Such stools are commonly cut from one piece, and the legs are often tapered and decorated. The round, slightly flat top is incised with an interlaced diagonal pattern, filled with muted reds and greens. The legs are dark, olive and weathered red, with a worn, mellow patina. Some scratches and flaking give it a long-used look.

About 14 inches high and 17 across. It reads as a coffee table with a past.