Prestige stool

This elaborately carved throne was taken by the British forces in 1915, after conquering the German Government House in Buea in the German colony of Cameroon. Carved in traditional Grassfield style, this stool was probably produced in one of the carving centers of the bamenda region. The animals and figures carved on the base and back of the stool are typical of prestige items produced in the region for local notables and titleholders. However, the shape of the throne, which recalls that of an armchair, and certain unusual combinations in the iconography suggest that this piece may have been carved explicitly for the European customers that either received it as a gift from one of the rulers or acquired it while travelling in the region.