This magnificent chair, embroidered with valuable glass beads and cowries, was a gift from King Njoya of Bamum (reigned from around 1887 to 1933) to the German Kaiser Wilhelm II. The male figure, who is carrying the seat on his back and playing a drum, is himself wearing expensive clothing and jewellery, which indicates his high rank. Such ornate chairs were used exclusively by rulers in the Cameroon grasslands. The examples from the Kingdom of Bamum are particularly impressive. Entry in the main historical catalogue: "Chair of Sultan Joia of Bamum. Carved from wood. Seat supported by a human figure. Seat and surface covered with cowries and glass beads (black, blue, red, white)."