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Empoer Jean-Bédel Bokassa and Empress Catherine

Mohamed Amin1977

Mohamed Amin Foundation

Mohamed Amin Foundation
Nairobi, Kenya

Emperor Jean-Bédel Bokassa wearing an ermine trimmed red velvet cloak with a 24 feel long train and his 28-year-old wife Empress Catherine, wearing a shimmering gold lame dress into which some 780,000 tiny pearls had been hand-sewn, at their coronation ceremony. Also known as the "Cannibal King" it was rumored the Emperor served human flesh at the banquet when he crowned himself Emperor Bokassa I in a costly and colorful ceremony inspired by his idol, Napoleon Bonaparte, in the country’s capital of Bangui on December 4, 1977. Kenya’s renowned photojournalist, Mohamed Amin also known as “Six Camera Mo”, got exclusive images of Bokassa at his Coronation and also enjoyed the banquet! Mo Amin had to dress in tuxedo and top hat as anyone not dressed properly would have their ears cut off!! Probably to serve as appetizers!

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  • Title: Empoer Jean-Bédel Bokassa and Empress Catherine
  • Creator: Mohamed Amin
  • Date Created: 1977
  • Location Created: Bangui, Central African Republic
  • Type: Photograph
  • Rights: Mohamed Amin / Camerapix
Mohamed Amin Foundation

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