Leopard Caryatid Stool , possibly 1800s. Bead-covered wooden stools and thrones are one of the most prevalent art forms among the various kingdoms and chiefdoms in the Cameroon grasslands. This example, once part of the royal treasury, belongs in the category of "travel stools," usually used in conjunction with more private, minor ceremonies and rituals at the palace. The leopard imagery confirms the object’s royal status. It alludes to the belief that the king was able to temporarily transform himself into this feared predator.

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Size: 4687px × 5079px
Photo credit: © Heritage Art/Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 19th, africa, art, bamileke, bandjoun, beads, cameroon, century, cleveland, cotton, equatorial, fabric, glass, heritage, kingdom, museum, possibly, unknown, wood