Watatu Stools is a furniture series by Ethiopian-American artist and industrial designer Jomo Tariku. The Ashanti, Boraatii, and Dogon designs also double as side tables.

This trio emulates Tariku’s design ethos of creating furniture that is “visually striking, yet effortlessly functional in any modern space.” Tariku’s work is rooted in Africa’s rich cultural heritage. His designs are included in permanent collections at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Tariku’s work was also featured on the set of the 2022 American superhero film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

“I aim to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for elevated modern African design, and to inspire a deeper and fuller connection to the continent. I weave the continent’s nature, art, and history within each piece I produce. Every design tells a unique story, with no detail overlooked or undervalued.”

Ashanti

Ashanti by Tariku is a modern re-imagining of the Golden Stool from the Ashanti Kingdom, the royal seat and throne belonging to the king.

Located what is now Ghana, the Ashanti Kingdom was famous for wood carving, furniture, and the dazzling-colored, hand-woven silk and cotton cloths known as kente.

Here, the slightly curved seat is supported by an open column and a circular base, a nod to the round golden regalia worn by the exalted leader.

Dogon

The trio of Watatu Stools is fully adjustable. It’s simple enough to use the removable wooden pin to lift or lower the royal seat. That method is on view here with the Dogon stool.

This seat takes its cue from the Dogon spiritual leader’s seat of prestige. The stool recounts the Dogon cosmology of the sky and earth.

It is only supported on two ends, leaving the center open to interpretation. 

Boraatii

In the the Oromia region of Ethiopia, it’s common to see neck rests in use when taking a load off. Yes, to keep the spine aligned, but also to protect the hair. These elevate elaborate hairstyles and preserve the most intricate of details from being flattened. Boraatii resembles one such triangular neck rest.

In situ, Ashanti, Boraatii, and Dogan are shown housing coffee table books, periodicals, and/or artistic treasures. All three of these stools are made of Baltic birch plywood and come in a Natural or Black finish.

Learn more here.