You may have guessed that we are fans of African tribal crafts. Our Kuba Cloth Pillows are a long running favorite on the site and this month we are introducing another traditional African piece that we love: the king's stool from the Bamileke tribe in Cameroon.
Each stool is carved from a single tree trunk and the Bamileke stool design is distinguished from other African styles by the round shape and criss-crossed carving pattern. Most of the ones we've seen have a dark stain (which is sometimes achieved with shoe polish), which makes us love our unique white painted version even more!
They're often referred to as "king's stools" because the most intricate ones were used as seats for tribal chiefs. Depending on the size of the tree trunk, stools can be small or large. The style offered on pfeiferstudio.com is 16 dia x 16 H inches, but we do find them at larger sizes. Please contact us if you need them at a unique dimension or in the traditional dark finish.
Most Bamileke stools are made in the grasslands region of Cameroon. Since they are each individually handmade, there will be a variation in size, shape and a slight difference in style. Some might have age cracks and material imperfections.
The culture from which they come is just as enticing as the stools themselves. The Bamileke tribes are a collection of ethnic groups in the western highlands of Cameroon, who divide themselves into over 100 individual groups, each under the rule of a chief. The Bamileke did not consider themselves a single people until colonial times. Even today, individual Bamileke usually regard themselves as members of separate tribes.
They are renowned craftsmen and their artwork was highly praised by early European visitors to their lands. Bamileke are particularly celebrated carvers in wood, ivory, and horn. Chief's compounds are notable for their intricately carved doorframes and columns.
We also love their traditional dwellings. Their homes are constructed by first erecting a raffia-pole frame into four square walls. Builders then stuff the resulting holes with grass and cover the whole building with mud. The thatched roof is typically shaped into a tall cone.
A reputation as shrewd businessmen is today supplanting the Bamileke's esteem as craftsmen. The various peoples have eagerly and adeptly adopted the European-introduced cash-based economy, making the Bamileke some of Cameroon's most prominent entrepreneurs. They have thus played and continue to play an important role in the economic development of Cameroon.
Click here to learn more about our Bamileke Stool Table and find out how you can bring a piece of this unique culture into your home.Labels: Africa, Bamileke Stool, handicrafts, New Arrivals, Product Preview
The culture from which they come is just as enticing as the stools themselves. The Bamileke tribes are a collection of ethnic groups in the western highlands of Cameroon, who divide themselves into over 100 individual groups, each under the rule of a chief. The Bamileke did not consider themselves a single people until colonial times. Even today, individual Bamileke usually regard themselves as members of separate tribes. 
We also love their traditional dwellings. Their homes are constructed by first erecting a raffia-pole frame into four square walls. Builders then stuff the resulting holes with grass and cover the whole building with mud. The thatched roof is typically shaped into a tall cone.