Carved by the Bamileke tribe of Cameroon, this stool served as seating during ceremonies. The largest and best stools were reserved for the King's use. The stool is carved from a single piece of wood from the trunk of the Cola tree. The wood is soaked in water to soften it before carving. If there is any break in the wood during carving, it is considered a bad omen and the entire piece is abandoned. After carving, the piece is stained and lacquered. The intricate woven pattern of this stool represents the web of the earth spider, a Bamileke symbol of wisdom.