Baga Wood Stool, Guinea

Three plain legs and no apologies.

Baga people of Guinea, West Africa, made this stool in wood in the 20th century. Simple low stools like this are commonly used as everyday seats and often become dark and glossy with years of handling. A thick round top sits on three straight, rough-hewn legs of unequal heft, with the adze-cut texture still faintly visible. The wood is a deep chocolate brown, nearly black, with a smooth, lightly polished top.

About twelve inches tall. Blunt, honest furniture that needs no introduction.