This beautiful cushion from the Hausa of Niger is from the early 20th century. Made from leather and pigments, the cushion has decorative motifs. It is one of the works in the Kings and Queens of Africa exhibition at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Image: Paris, Musée du Quai Branly–Jacques Chirac

The powerful legacy of the kings and queens of Africa comes to the fore in a major exhibition of rare artifacts at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

The Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power exhibition at the Louvre Abu Dhabi offers an extraordinary and rare glimpse into the cultural richness of Africa. In collaboration with the Musée du Quai Branly–Jacques Chirac, this exhibition is the first of its kind in the UAE and the Gulf region. It showcases a stunning array of over 300 artifacts from African royal history. These artifacts reveal the splendor and power that shaped the continent’s rulers. Kings and Queens of Africa takes visitors on a journey through Africa’s vibrant history, highlighting the authority, spiritual influence, and cultural significance of its royal figures.

Kings and Queens of Africa: History Behind African Royalty

Africa is home to an array of historical kingdoms and empires, whose legacies continue to influence global culture today. From the ancient civilization of Egypt to the mighty kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Great Zimbabwe, African monarchs have ruled vast territories and controlled powerful networks of trade and influence. These civilizations date long before colonial powers began exploring the continent, yet they continue to inspire contemporary African art and culture.

Many African royal artifacts, such as sacred objects and intricate royal attire, are in museums around the world. One of the most significant collections is at the Musée du Quai Branly—Jacques Chirac in Paris. These priceless objects from sub-Saharan Africa have been carefully curated for public display. The collaboration between the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Musée du Quai Branly brings these remarkable treasures to the Gulf region. Above all, it sheds light on a rich history that spans millennia.

African Kingdoms and the Material Culture of Power

The exhibition presents an unparalleled collection of artifacts that represent the material culture of Africa’s royal dynasties. These objects offer a glimpse into the lives of kings and queens whose influence extended beyond their borders. The objects on display reflect the grandeur and power of their owners. They also reveal the intricate craftsmanship behind each item. Visitors can marvel at the fine artistry of royal regalia, symbolic sculptures, and ceremonial attire. These items reflect the authority and power of African kings and queens.

One of the main highlights of the exhibition is the collection of sacred objects used in religious and ceremonial practices. These artifacts symbolize the spiritual authority of African rulers. They also offer insights into the strong connections between governance and religion in many African societies. African masks, figures, and altars played a key role in shaping the social and political landscape of various kingdoms and empires.

The Kingdom of Mali: A Legacy of Wealth and Power

The Kingdom of Mali, one of Africa’s most prosperous medieval empires, features prominently in this exhibition. Mali’s kings, particularly Mansa Musa, were renowned for their wealth and power. Mansa Musa’s famous pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 showcased the vast riches of his empire. The exhibition highlights several artifacts related to the Mali Empire. These include royal gold ornaments, weapons, and ceremonial items, all symbols of power and wealth.

In addition to political and economic success, the Kingdom of Mali was a center of intellectual and cultural achievement. This was especially true in the city of Timbuktu, a major hub for learning and scholarship. The artifacts on display highlight the role of royalty in fostering artistic expression, learning, and culture. These elements continue to influence the region today.

The Influence of Islam on African Kingdoms

As Islam spread across Africa, it had a profound impact on the culture and governance of various kingdoms. Many African royal families, including those from the Kingdom of Mali, adopted Islamic customs. These Islamic traditions appeared in their art, architecture, and governance systems. The exhibition explores the influence of Islamic culture on African monarchs and how royal families integrated Islamic symbols, such as geometric designs and Arabic calligraphy, into their material culture.

Artifacts such as leather cushions and textiles from the Hausa culture in West Africa exemplify the fusion of Islamic and African traditions. Islamic iconography was a major source of influence for the Hausa people. Known for their craftsmanship in iron, textiles, and leather, these influences often appeared in the geometric patterns on their decorative items. These objects served both aesthetic and practical purposes. They were used for everyday life while also symbolizing the spiritual and political power of the elite.

Dahomey and the Rise of the Powerful Buffalo

Among the most striking pieces in the exhibition is the wall hanging from the Kingdom of Dahomey, which depicts the legendary feat of King Gezo. According to legend, as a young prince, Gezo killed a buffalo with his bare hands, an act that became his royal emblem and motto: “The powerful buffalo crosses the country, and nothing can stop it or stand in its way.”

The Kingdom of Dahomey, located in present-day Benin, was one of the most powerful kingdoms in West Africa. The wall hanging in the exhibition is a tribute to Gezo’s strength and leadership. It was created using a textile appliqué technique and later became an iconic symbol of the kingdom’s royal power. The piece was later given to Napoleon III as part of a diplomatic gift exchange between Dahomey and France. The historical significance of this artifact, along with its vivid colors and intricate design, offers visitors a tangible connection to the past glory of the Dahomey Kingdom.

A Closer Look at the Iconic Equestrian Figurine

Powerful Kings and Queens of Africa

One of the most fascinating objects in the collection is a 19th-century equestrian figurine from the Bamana people of Mali, created in the Ségou region. The figurine depicts a horseman with an exaggerated head, oversized hands, and an elongated neck. This anatomical measurement reflects the symbolic proportions often found in African statuary. This figurine, created by the Master of Ségou, offers insight into the artistic conventions of the time. Above all, it highlights the cultural importance of horses in African societies.

The figurine’s size, in relation to the horse, may seem surprising, but it is a deliberate stylistic choice. There was a general belief that the most important feature of the figure was the head. Horses were introduced in Africa through trade and were expensive. Only the elite could afford them. Owning a horse was a symbol of status and wealth. The figurine’s journey to Europe, where the Musée du Quai Branly acquired it, highlights the historical interactions between African kingdoms and European powers during the colonial period.

Restoring Africa’s Cultural Heritage

The exhibition also sheds light on the ongoing efforts to restore African artifacts taken unlawfully during colonial times. Missionaries, soldiers, and colonial officials brought many of the objects in the Musée du Quai Branly’s collection to Europe, sometimes illegally. Efforts are now underway to return them to their countries of origin. The collaboration between museums and African countries is part of a broader movement to reclaim cultural heritage and restore Africa’s connection to its past.

The exhibition, in addition to showcasing African art, also serves as a reminder of the complex history of colonialism. It emphasizes the importance of restitution. By returning these objects to Africa, museums around the world can help heal the historical wounds caused by the looting and exploitation of African cultures.

A Powerful Journey Through African Royalty

The Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power exhibition is a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural legacy of Africa’s royal dynasties. Through a stunning collection of artifacts, visitors can learn about the lives of Africa’s most revered and powerful figures. They will gain knowledge about rulers from the ancient kingdoms of Egypt to the mighty empires of Mali and Dahomey.

This exhibition highlights the incredible artistry and craftsmanship of African royal artifacts. It is also a testament to the resilience and cultural richness of the African people. It is a celebration of Africa’s history. More importantly, it is an opportunity to connect with the legacy of kings and queens whose influence continues to shape contemporary African culture.

Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power through May 25, 2025 at the Louvre Abu Dhabi