Cameroonian Wood Stool

Bowl-shaped seat on legs that mean business.

This stool, made by carvers in Cameroon, Central Africa, in wood in the 20th century, has a broad, dished seat resting on a short column, with four chunky, angled braces below. Stools in the region are commonly associated with status and chiefly seating. The wood is dark, dusty brown with a gray bloom in places, and the base is a shallow ring with a worn edge. A pale scar marks the center of the seat, and the grain shows through.

About 14 inches high. Practical enough to sit on and good enough not to.