FIG. 14 (right):
Rudolf or Helene
Oldenburg, Sultan Njoja mit
Soldaten (Sultan Njoya with
Soldiers), 1907–1913.
Silver gelatin print, 16 x 11.4 cm.
Weltmuseum Wien, Fotosammlung,
inv. VF 17169.
King Njoya and his soldiers wear
German hussar-style uniforms, which
were made by palace tailors and
decorated by bead workers. Njoya
holds a Fulbe sword.
FIG. 15 (below): Rudolf or
Helene Oldenburg,
Dorfansicht (Compound),
1907–1913.
Scan of silver gelatin glass negative,
18 x 13 cm.
Weltmuseum Wien, Fotosammlung,
inv. VF 49909.
The family compound in this picture
is composed of a large house for
the head of the family and smaller
houses for his wives. Like all Bamum
compounds, it is surrounded by
groves and agricultural plots.
138
FIG. 16 (top right): Rudolf or Helene Oldenburg,
Häuptlingsweiberhäuser in Fumban (Royal
Women’s Houses in Fumban), 1907–1913.
Silver gelatin print, 17 x 12 cm.
Weltmuseum Wien, Fotosammlung, inv. VF 17470.
The palace is visible at the left and on the right are the houses
of the royal wives.
FIG. 17 (right): Rudolf or Helene Oldenburg, Häuptling
Njoja mit Reiterei (Chief Njoya with Riders), 1907–1913.
Silver gelatin print, 17.5 x 12.5 cm.
Weltmuseum Wien, Fotosammlung, inv. VF 17211.
Njoya was aware of the fragility of political power. In the 1890s, his nascent
rule was challenged by one of his brothers. Njoya asked the Fulbe Lamido
Umaru of Banyo for aid. The Islamic foreigners fought side by side with troops
loyal to Njoya and quashed the rebellion. The Bamum called this brief battle
“the victory of the horse,” since Umaru’s troops fought on horseback. In
gratitude, Njoya and his court converted to Islam in 1897. He subsequently
introduced Islamic-style garments and began to import horses to form a
cavalry regiment.
PORTFOLIO