Collection Online as of September 22, 2023

Frame

1961

Part of a set. See all set records

carver

Ibrahim Njoya

(Bamum Kingdom (Cameroonian), c. 1887–1962)

Africa, Central Africa, Bamum Kingdom, Cameroon

Wood

Overall: 78.7 x 96.5 cm (31 x 38 in.)

Severance and Greta Millikin Trust 2022.47.b

Location

not on view

Fun Fact

This frame that depicts royal symbols was carved by the artist.

Description

The drawing in this frame depicts Sultan Njoya and his ancestors in front of the old Bamum Kingdom palace: King Mbombo “the Giant” (r. 1757–1814); Queen Ngoungore (r. 1863); King Nsa’ngu (r. 1863–1889); and Sultan Njoya (r. 1889–1913). Each past ruler wears or holds elaborate regalia, such as staffs, necklaces, headpieces, and fly whisks. Sultan Njoya (at right) wears a turban and a large embroidered tunic, reflecting his conversion to Islam.

Provenance

1961

Marshall Mount, purchased from the artist in Cameroon

2018–2022

Christopher Mount, United States, by inheritance.

2022

(Amyas Naegele Gallery, New York, NY, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art)

2022–

The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH

Citations

Page, Donna. A Cameroon World: Art and Artifacts from the Caroline and Marshall Mount Collection. Bayside, NY: QCC Art Gallery, City University of New York, 2007. p. 30, p. 91 (plate 44)

Exhibition history

A Cameroon World: Art and Artifacts from the Caroline and Marshall Mount Collection. Queensborough Community College Art Gallery, Oakland Gardens, NY (October 2007 - February 2008).