Ngwuo Rwe mfon Mandu Yenu | Photographer: Dietrich Graf | Rights management: Ethnologisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Attribution - NonCommercial - ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalNgwuo Rwe mfon Mandu Yenu | Photographer: | Rights management: Ethnologisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Attribution - NonCommercial - ShareAlike 4.0 International1st index card | Photographer: | Rights management: Ethnologisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Attribution - NonCommercial - ShareAlike 4.0 International2. index card | Photographer: | Rights management: Ethnologisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Attribution - NonCommercial - ShareAlike 4.0 International3. index card | Photographer: | Rights management: Ethnologisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Attribution - NonCommercial - ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalNgwuo Rwe mfon Mandu Yenu | Photographer: | Rights management: Ethnologisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Attribution - NonCommercial - ShareAlike 4.0 International
The kingdom of Bamum in the grasslands of Cameroon is known for its opulent courtly art from the last third of the 19th century. This throne, known as the "Mandu Yenu", is regarded as a magnificent highlight of this art. It consists of two parts, a seat and a footstool, both carved from solid wood. The carving reflects symbols of the kings of Bamum, such as the two-headed snake and the earth spider, a symbol of wisdom. The two large human figures on the seat represent twins to protect the king, while the two smaller figures on the footstool carry rifles, symbolising the kingdom's military power. The entire throne is embroidered with precious glass beads from Europe and cowries from the Indian Ocean. The Royal Museum of Ethnology has been trying to acquire the throne since 1905. King Njoya of Bamum (reigned approx. 1887 - 1933) was only prepared to part with the throne after a joint campaign with German troops against the neighbouring kingdom of Nso'. In 1908, King Njoya gave the throne to the German Emperor Wilhelm II on his birthday. At this time, King Njoya had a new similar throne made for himself, which is still in the royal collection in Bamum today.
