As it was told to me this stool is normally used by women. It stands out among African stools in that it is given to a woman by her husband when he travels to remind her of him and thereby guarantee her faithfulness. The representation is spiritual, not functional. This is an authentic, old, used stool. The wood of this stool is very heavy and dense; it is an extraordinary object. 17 x 5 1/4 x 4 1/4" tall (43 x 13 x 11 cm)