The Wonders of the Bamileke
I love the Bamileke stool, not only is it a beautiful piece of furniture but it also has the most enchanting story. The stool is handmade in the grasslands of Cameroon and was traditionally used as a ceremonial seat by tribal chiefs. Traditionally each stool is carved from one piece of wood by the tribe’s carpenters with the stool’s intricate pattern drawing inspiration from the earth spider’s web, which symbolises divine wisdom. The Bamileke people believe the earth spider connects the tribe to departed ancestors and allows their spirt to be present in ceremonies. The stools come in a variety of sizes, the largest and most intricate generally being reserved for the King!
The unique beauty and sculptural qualities of the Bamileke stool make it a stunning interior statement. Its individual character can successfully be used in both traditional and contemporary interiors and mixed with a plethora of materials, textures and patterns. It also offers endless placement possibilities; a group of similar sized stools can be placed at equal intervals to dramatically punctuate the space and offer additional seating in front of a living room sofa, a selection of randomly sized stools can be placed to create a dynamic coffee table formation, a smaller grouping arranged as an original beside table setting, or individual stools placed next to all manner of occasional seating to add statement yet functional accents to a scheme.
The Bamileke stool is an iconic piece of furniture, with a truly unique heritage and design, and offers a versatile addition to any interior.
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Photographic credits: Andrew Martin and Andrew Beasley
You’re right, it’s a beautiful piece of furniture. I didn’t know the history of it, so was fascinated to read this.
Who knew! Thank you for such a wonderful and informative article on a beautiful piece of design – just love the stool!
Thanks so much! It’s a lovely back story isn’t it!
The tradition and story behind these stools make them really unique pieces of furniture.
They really are! Thanks for commenting Fiona!
I love learning more about the design and making process. I find it fascinating and I don’t think that you can truly appreciate a piece of design unless you know the full story!
So true! It’s a beautiful piece of furniture, but your appreciation is significantly heightened when you know the wonderful background story.
That’s a really fascinating -I love the story and history behind them.
Thanks Lin! So lovely isn’t it!
Wow! It’s so insightful and helpful knowing the story behind great design
Exactly right. The aesthetic is only half the story!
I love hearing about the history and stories behind furniture designs. It makes each piece so much more interesting.
Such an interesting piece. I love all the tradition behind it.
Thanks Juan. It does make such a difference when you know the background!
It is such a beautiful stool I would have never thought of it being used in an industrial room like the second picture but it looks just as at home there as anywhere else.
Yes that’s right! The Bamileke stools are really versatile!
That’s a unique stool! I’ve never come across it before!
These are beautiful, and how fantastic to be able to learn about the story behind them!