AFRICA: ONE CONTINENT. MANY WORLDS | AFRICAN STORIES | CAMEROON

Njoya was open-minded; He said anyone could be an artist

Before the reign of King Njoya (hn-JOY-ah), Bamum artists only made objects for kings and nobles. Then, in 1912, Njoya changed the law so that everyone could own or commission objects from artists. He also allowed all artists to use the beads and animal symbols once reserved for royalty.

Njoya's creativity made him a great inventor. The more he learned, the more he was inspired. During his reign he invented a brass corn mill and a printing press. He asked his people to create an alphabet for their language. And when Germans arrived in Cameroon, Njoya took up photography.

"I do not want my people to indulge in palm wine drinking. I want to teach them the value of hard work."

This page is part of the "AFRICA: One Continent. Many Worlds." web site. All photographic images and text contained within these web pages ARE COPYRIGHTED and may not be commerically reproduced, or utilized in any manner, without the prior written consent the owner. Select this text for more information.

Photograph from grassfields video found in the Africa: One Continent. Many Worlds. traveling exhibit. Used with permission.

jca