19^th Century Cameroon Throne

Overview

This African throne is from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art collection in Kansas City, Missouri. The first picture captures the deterioration in the bead pattern.

Composition

The throne is made up of semiprecious glass beads woven/inlaid on a wooden form.

Scope of Project

The challenge of this project was to restore the deteriorated bead pattern with original materials. In Kansas City the supply of semiprecious African glass beads is limited, so Jensen sent investigators to Africa to locate and obtain appropriate materials for the restoration.

Detail of throne after restoration

Before restoration

After restoration

Photos of throne after treatment are courtesy of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.