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Description
Note: "Königssöhne Nzi Kam, links, mfo-Bifum, rechts, mit Trommel. Das schönste Haus im Bamumland ist unstreitig der Palast des Häuptlings. Er ist 160 m lang und 90 m breit [Teilsatz unterstrichen], besteht aus unzähligen Höfen, Winkeln, Häuslein und Hallen und weist an der vordern Front eine ganze Anzahl geschnitzter, hoher Säulen auf, die das überaus schöne Grasdach tragen und dem ganzen, sonst einfach gehaltenen Bau etwas Königliches verleihen. 4 grosse und breite Türen führen ins Innere des mächtigen Negerpalastes. Vor der ersten der 4 Türen steht an schönen Tagen wohl die reichgeschnitzte Trommel der Königssöhne, ein Lärminstrument von beträchtlicher Grösse, dessen dumpfklingenden Töne weithin hörbar sind und Brüder und Söhne des Häuptlings einladen zur Teilnahme am 'Geheimbund der Prinzen' [letzten 4 Worte unterstrichen], einer Veranstaltung, die dem Europäer unbekannt ist, und neben einem religiösen Hintergrund wohl auch einem politischen Zweck dienen mag!" (Wuhrmann, A., 1917. Beschreibung zu den Lichtbildern aus Bamum. E-30-0,6). Note translation: The King s sons, Nzi Kam (left) and Mfo-Bikum (right), with drum. The most beautiful house in Bamumland is undoubtedly the palace of the chief. It is 160 m. long and 90 m wide. It consists of inumerable courtyards and niches, little houses and [great] halls. Along the front you see a whole series of high carved pillars which bear the weight of the beautiful thatched roof, and which give the building, which in other respects is kept simple, a royal air. Four large and broad entrances lead into the interior of this African palace. On fine days the richly carved drum of the King s sons stands in front of the first of these entrances, an instrument for producing noise of impressive volume. Its dull tones are audible over a wide area, and it invites the brothers and sons of the King to take part in the Secret Society of the princes , an organisation which is unknown to us Europeans and which, besides having a religious background, also probably serves a political end. (A. Wuhrmann, 1917, Commentaries on Slides from Bamum, E-30-0,6. K 349).
Type
image
Format
b/w positive, paper print, collodion 8.3 x 11.3 cm.
Mfo-Rifum (Mr) Njoya* (son) Nzikam (prince) Anthropomorphic representation Cap Drum Embroidery Insignia of rank King Men's wear Palace Pillar Portrait of two m Sword Textile pattern Wood carving
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