Nupe Four Legged Stool

Four legs, braced by a crossed X, and a seat patterned like a kilim.

Nupe carvers of Nigeria, West Africa, made this four-legged stool in wood in the 20th century. Nupe stools are commonly seats and also objects of craftsmanship, and many carry incised decoration. The oval seat is carved with a panel of geometric lines, framed by a border, and four heavy, tapered legs hold it up. Crossed stretchers brace them underneath in an X. The wood is dark brown and satiny, with a pale, dry rubbed look in places.

About 11.5 inches high. Sturdy, patterned, and sensible on a hearth.