Cameroonian Wood Stool

A drum-shaped seat, with an honest lattice of ovals.

Carvers in Cameroon, Central Africa, made this wooden stool in the 20th century. Stools from the Cameroon Grassfields are commonly associated with status and seating in the home and court. A broad, dished top sits over a cylindrical openwork column, formed from rows of linked oval motifs with incised lines. A heavy, flat foot ring completes the base. The wood is deep brown, polished by long use.

About 18 inches tall and 20 inches wide. A side table that sat in a palace, for all we know. We do not.