3 February 2008 – 25 May 2008

Cameroon - Art of the Kings

In the fertile, hilly landscape of northwest Cameroon, the grassland region, numerous kingdoms were to form over the course of centuries. The sculptors at such royal courts achieved something exceptional in the area of figurative art: in addition to statues and masks they created a wealth of architectural reliefs, palace pillars and door frames decorated with figures, enormous drums, bowls, tobacco pipes, jewellery and other such symbols of royalty. Counting among some of their most impressive works are the magnificent thrones which, in the African art of the time as well as that of today, occupy a unique position. These works of art played an important role at royal rituals and their power can still be felt today.

Over 150 artistically executed, in part monumental works fashioned in wood, ivory, clay and bronze can be viewed in the exhibition. The prestigious royal accoutrements are frequently decorated with precious glass pearls. For the most part, the exhibits stem from German and French museums and testify to the display of splendour at the royal courts in pre-colonial times. Historical photographs convey something of these splendid royal houses, rapturously described by the first European visitors in the outgoing 19th century.

The present exhibition is the first large show on the traditional artistic work of the Cameroon grassland region. It will be shown exclusively at the Museum Rietberg, in Zurich.

Address

Museum Rietberg Zürich
Gablerstrasse 15
8003 Zürich
phone +41 44 206 31 00
http://www.rietberg.ch

Opening Hours

April 1st - September 30th: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday - 8 p.m., closed on Monday. October 1st - March 31st: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed on Monday.

Description of the Museum

The Museum Rietberg Zurich is the only art museum for non-European cultures in Switzerland exhibiting an internationally renowned collection of art from Asia, Africa and Ancient America.

The collection is exhibited in the Villa Wesendonck and in the Park-Villa Rieter.

Additional building "Baldachine von Smaragd", opened in 2007; architects Alfred Grazioli and Adolf Krischanitz.

Within 10 days
starting exhibitions
ending exhibitions