Replica of an Asante stool, part of my Ghanian inspired jewelry collection. The original is itself a 5" x 3" x 1.5" replica made of wood. Asante stools, given to individuals at birth or marriage, over time take on greater significance as they accrue their owner’s soul and life history through repeated use. All Asante stools have the same basic form, with variations in the central support. Carved with the grain running horizontally, a central column rises from a stepped base to support a curved rectangular seat. Asante stools resemble those used on the Dahomey coast during the 19th century. Whereas stools with central supports in the form of a leopard or elephant signified royal powers, the one in this replica probably represents a commoner's stool for everyday purposes. Every Asante has a personal, utilitarian stool; there are hundreds of patterns expressing not only the owner's gender and social status, but also political orientation.