Cameroonian Wood Stool

Two broad legs, a wide seat and no interest in being delicate.

This wooden stool was carved in Cameroon, Central Africa, in the 20th century. Wide stools like this are commonly seen as seats of status or as places for honored guests. The broad seat has a rim notched with short, regular cuts. Below it, two thick, rounded legs stand on a rectangular plinth carved with a band of triangles and zigzags. Gap between the legs shows daylight. The wood is dark with a dry, rubbed surface and pale scuffs.

About 15 inches tall, 21 wide and 18 deep. Wide enough to share, though it won’t offer.