Cameroonian Stool / Side Table

In the Cameroon Grassfields, stools came in many forms. Some were household seats. Some were prestige pieces. This one has the openwork the region does well.

It was carved in Cameroon in the 20th century, from wood, and it works as a seat or a side table. The shape is a drum, nearly twenty-one inches tall and almost eighteen across, with a broad rounded seat and a heavy ring base. Between them, four tiers of bold zigzag openwork are separated by smooth horizontal bands.

The rhythm is light, then shadow, then light. The surface is a deep matte black with subtle tool marks. Sit on it, or set a lamp on it.