Wedding Stool with Nine Legs

Origin: Nupe Peoples, Nigeria
Composition: wood

The Nupe people have lived along the banks of the Niger River since the 15th century, and their art is mostly non-figurative. Nupe houses are decorated with doors and posts carved with elaborate geometric designs.

The Nupe carve circular stools supported by varying numbers of feet, which are presented by grooms to their brides. Traditionally, they are used as prestige objects on market days and during important meetings (Ref: Tribal Arts of Africa).