BAMILEKE STOOLS: An Overlooked, Handcrafted, and Symbolic Art

I recently began working as a product photographer for Africa Direct, and when I first laid my eyes and hands on the vast amounts of art we hold from across Africa, I was stunned by the colorful beauty of beads, or the shining craftsmanship of bronze statues.

However, in our collection lie many objects one may find simpler; wooden stools of the Bamileke tribe from Northwestern Cameroon. These stools may be considered great home decor pieces — perhaps as a nightstand meant to hold a plant or a lamp beside your bed. But these simple wooden stools hold much more symbolic significance than what meets the eye.

The wooden stools contrast with other art of the Bamileke tribe, who are often known for colorful beadery. Their simplicity, though, hides the intense craftsmanship required to hand-carve these round seats out of large pieces of wood.

Though they appear less flashy than the vibrant juju feather headdresses and royal masks from the Bamileke tribe, they are just as much of a symbol of status and power. 

Similar to how those in Western culture view thrones, these stools are meant to literally uplift prominent women, chiefs or regional leaders (“Fon”).

The carvings within them also hold a great deal of symbolism. Many Bamileke stools feature animals, such as leopards, meant to signal the strength of those they were given to. A common motif found on many of these stools is the “X” shape, which symbolizes a spider — the meaning of which is debated, but could represent divinity or ancestral connection among many other things.

ABOUT SCOTT

Scott Reif is a recent graduate of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, studying journalism and media communication. During his studies, Scott focused on the production of visual media and filmmaking, helping collaborate on films recognized by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Student Emmy Awards.