Senufo Wood Stool, Ivory Coast

Two thick legs, a dished seat and a century of sitting down.

Senufo carvers of the Ivory Coast, West Africa, made this wooden stool in the 20th century. Stools in the region are commonly carved from a single block and often mark a household’s seat of honor, or are used as everyday seating. This one has a gently saddled seat with a broad, swelling edge and thick tapered legs, with a third visible behind. The wood is deep reddish brown, glossy on top and scraped to a pale tone on the legs.

Low, sturdy and handsome. It will take a book, a plant or an actual person.