Thrones in Majesty exhibition

Throne of King Ghézo


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This nukpewuzinkpo ("seat of manifested and incontestable power") is higher than an ordinary audience throne. It was used for the annual public Ato ceremony, when, overlooking the crowd, the king distributed a share of his wealth to his subjects. The technique and motifs suggest that an Afro-Brazilian or Afro-Portuguese workshop made this chair. The European's contact with the Kingdom of Dahomey since the 18th century accounts for the unusual combination.
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Thrones in Majesty exhibitionBy Palace of Versailles