Nupe Wood Stool, Nigeria

Oval top, four legs, and every surface has something to say.

This stool was made in wood by Nupe craftsmen of Nigeria, West Africa, in the 20th century. Nupe stools are commonly decorated with painted or incised geometric patterns and used as seats or for display. The seat is an oval, with a border of tiny carved scallops and a central panel of zigzags, squares and triangles in red, black, green and cream. The four legs flare gently. One is red with scalloped marks, the others are dark and dotted with starburst designs.

About twelve inches high and fourteen across. Colorful without being loud, and sturdy enough for real use.