Cameroonian Wood Stool

Interlocking almonds, cut open, in weathered grey wood.

Carved in Cameroon, Central Africa, in the 20th century, this wooden stool belongs to a region where carved seats are often tied to status. A round seat sits above an open ring of interlinked, eye-shaped loops, each one cut from the solid wood, with a flat ring base underneath. The surface is a soft brown-grey, dry and matte, with fine wear along the loops and the faint pale marks of age.

About 14 inches high and 13 wide. Looks like it is watching you, gently.