Cameroonian Wood Stool

Low-slung and wide, as if it never meant to be tall.

Woodworkers of Cameroon, Central Africa, made this stool in the 20th century, in wood. Low seats like this are commonly used in homes and in gathering places. The wide, flat seat has a shallow dish and a faint, tooled surface around the edge. Three angled legs ending in broad, square feet hold it close to the ground. The wood is light, a pale tan-brown with a little white mark on one foot.

About 12 inches tall and 17 across. A low profile for a high shelf.