Nupe Eight Legged Stool

Red, mustard and charcoal legs standing in a crowd.

This Nupe stool from Nigeria, West Africa, was made of wood in the 20th century and has eight legs. Carved stools of this type are commonly used as seats and are often brightly painted. The round top has concentric rings carved and painted in muted tones. The thick, tapering legs are colored in dark gray, red, mustard yellow and black, and the paint is flaking and rubbed in many places. Wood grain shows through the old colors.

About 13 inches high and 16 across. A faded rainbow with a stout stance.