Exam 3 - Encounters with the Arts of Global Africa

King Njoya, Bamum, 1912

• Founded in early 18th century

• Most celebrated ruler, he supported the arts & established a “museum” in the royal court

• Became ruler after his father died in war

• Didn’t dress in “traditional” royal wear, would mimic his political allies

• Would practice Islam

• Good relationship with European missionaries

Artist Unknown, Throne of King Nsa-ngu, Bamum, late 19th century

• Made out of glass beads & cowrie shells

• Back of the throne are twin court officials

• Female twin is carrying a bowl made of calabash, it’s symbolic of female fertility

• Male twin has hand on chin (mark of respect), other hand holds a drinking horn (symbolic of male fertility)

• Double headed serpent is symbolic of important ancestor

• Footrest has 2 soldiers (protects the King)

• Under footrest are court officers

• Sense of creativity with the colors used

The palace at Bandjoun, Bamileke, 18th - 19th century

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Nchare

First king of the Bamum kingdom

Foumban

Capital of the Bamum kingdom

Njoya

16^th king of the Bamum kingdom

N’so

A major rival kingdom of the Bamum kingdom