Bamileke Stool with White Middle South Africa in 2018 by

South Africa in 2018 by photographer and guide Matt Yardley

these Fang mask have the traditional shape of the elongated nose and jaw and are coloured with clays

before being gently restored and repaired

Often the bowls have a distinctive and unusual flared lip which is the result of an intensive process where the wood is softened with water and then bound with strips of leather which are tightened over a period of time until the desired shape is achieved

before being gently restored and finished with a unique white stripe detail

Bamileke Stool with White Middle South Africa in 2018 byThese Bamileke stools are carved with the traditional lattice design that is inspired by the earth spider, a symbol of wisdom. In African culture, the seat is a very important part of culture. Every person has their own seat and the larger the seat, the higher the social ranking of the owner. Bamileke stools are traditionally only used by the Bamileke King of Cameroon during public ceremonies. Each stool is hand carved by a community member from