Cameroonian Wood Stool

Almonds in staggered rows, and a seat shaped like a shallow dish.

This stool was carved in wood in Cameroon, Central Africa, in the 20th century. Stools from Cameroon are commonly associated with status and are often decorated with openwork. The seat is a smooth, concave disc, and beneath it rows of pointed, leaf-like shapes alternate in two tiers, with oval gaps between them. A broad ring base completes the form. The wood is a medium brown with a polished, hand-worn gloss.

About 14 inches high and 12 wide. A stool with the manners of a small vase.