How can a physical object embody the essence of royal power?
In short: This video examines the Throne of Njouteu, a significant artifact from Cameroon's Grasslands region. Through the expertise of curator Christraud M. Geary, we explore how materials like glass beads and cowrie shells transform wood into a vessel of authority.
Created during the late 19th or early 20th century, the Throne of Njouteu represents a royal couple. The piece is constructed from wood, cloth, glass beads, and cowrie shells.
The object was acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2014 through various gifts and the Rogers Fund. It serves as a highlight of the museum's recent acquisitions, illustrating the complex relationship between material craftsmanship and political status.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: African Throne of Njouteu | MetCollects
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