ASANTE (ASHANTI), CEREMONIAL STOOL NO. 29, 14.5x21.5", $450, Ghana
Stools indicate status, power and succession of chiefs and kings. Carved from single blocks, Asante (or Ashanti) stools traditionally have crescent-shaped seats, flat bases and complex support structures, which exist in many designs with symbolic meaning.
This design, known as a Nyansapow Dwa, is the wisdom knot stool. Only a wise man can untie the wisdom knot. It is further enhanced by attached coins.