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3.13: Cameroon Beaded Thrones

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    Cameroon Beaded Thrones

    24.png

    Artist: Unknown
    Medium: Wood, beads, metal
    Art Historical Time Period: Precolonial to contemporary, Kingdom of Cameroon (Central Africa)

    The Cameroon beaded thrones are royal seats used by kings and high-ranking officials in Cameroon. These thrones are decorated with intricate beadwork that represents the spiritual and political power of the ruler. They are used during royal events and ceremonies and are often passed down through generations.

    What makes these thrones innovative is their use of beadwork to show leadership and history. The designs and colors of the beads have specific meanings, such as wisdom, strength, or connection to the ancestors. Today, these thrones are still used in traditional ceremonies and inspire many African artists who work with beads and textiles.

    Vocabulary

    • Regalia Special symbols or clothing used by rulers.
    • Dignitary A person of high status or office.

    Student Authors

    • Lucia Martinez ’26 and Eduardo Bravo ’25

    References and Image Attribution

    • Jenkins, John. Beaded Thrones of the Cameroon Kingdom. Oxford University Press, 2004.

    • Schneider, Elizabeth. Art, Power, and Authority. University of Chicago Press, 1998.

    • Image: “Madou-Yenou Beaded and Wooden Thrones 01” via Wikimedia Commons by Bruno Kemayou, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified from original.

     

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    3.13: Cameroon Beaded Thrones is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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