This guardsman wears one of the Garde du Corps helmets (see right). The Garde du Corps were unique in that they replaced the helmet spike on parade with a metal Prussian eagle. The eagles of the Bamum guard in photographs appear to have been damaged and some (like this one) are bent slightly backwards or sideways. The cuirass is again the Prussian cavalry model.

The tunic is Bamum-made based on the style of the Prussian cuirassiers with the striped front but without Swedish style cuffs. In the original photograph the tunic appears to be of a dark shade. It may possibly have been made from red velvet, of which the Bamum had received some quantity from trade. Bamum guardsmen were also described by the German missionary, Martin Göhring in 1906 as wearing uniforms of red velvet. The trousers are also Bamum made and appear white in the original photograph.

This guardsman is barefooted as were many of the Bamum army. He is armed with a German Cavalry sword, the scabbard of which is incorrectly fixed to the retaining belt of the cuirass.

Figure 2 is based on a photograph of a Bamum Cavalryman of the Guard. Their uniforms were based on photographs King Njoya had seen in the magazine 'Die Woche' of the Prussian Leib-Hussars (1st and 2nd Imperial German Life-Hussar Regiments). At first glance the uniforms appear to be genuine German hussar tunics (see right) but closer examination shows the tunic length is too long, the braiding is more elaborate, larger and slightly sloped and uneven. The braiding itself while based on the German (or originally Hungarian design) incorporates aspects of Bamum artwork especially in the additional sleeve embroidery and may have had glass  beadwork incorporated into it. The tunic may also have had Bamum style embroidery on the back. The shoulder straps are of coloured beadwork. This cavalryman has been awarded a Bamum medal, worn in imitation of German medal ribbons on the left breast. These Bamum medals were larger than German medal ribbons, of three coloured stripes (the darker in the centre) and more rigid than normal medal ribbons.

The imitation hussar busby is decorated with a looping pattern of Bamum design (which is repeated on the sides and possibly rear) and appears to be beaded as are the badges and insignia on it. The white plume was based on the German design. Although German hussars wore riding boots, the Bamum cavalry had only short ankle boots. German boots were highly prized but the Bamum tailors also made leather boots for Njoya and his army. This cavalryman is armed with a sabre, probably of German origin.

Figure 3 is based on a photograph of King Njoya of Bamum in 1914. King Njoya owned several uniforms, including a simple khaki tunic with white tropical helmet, peaked field cap, Garde du Corps uniform and helmet and even had a crown made in imitation of the German imperial crown. All these items were often worn with a mixture of the richest Bamum traditional clothing and jewellery. On other occasions he often wore simple Islamic white robes, as worn by the Hausa (see right). After 1909 and the disarmament of his army he (and his cavalry) always wore Hausa robes.

In the photo upon which this illustration was based, King Njoya wears the an officers uniform of the Prussian Garde du Corps Cuirassier Regiment. The tunic was white (or cream-white) with a red collar and red Swedish style cuffs with white metal buttons, both with silver double Litzen. The front of cuirassier tunic had concealed buttons and a red false front with silver lace. Over the tunic he wears a richly embroidered Bamum-made waistcoat. It is reasonable to assume the plant-like patterns may have been in plant-like coloured silk such as green, brown and red and decorated with coloured glass beadwork. On the waistcoat Njoya wears two Bamum medals, one hanging on a ribbon is clearly based on German designs. He wears a coloured sash at the waist and what may be a white leather cross belt from the Garde du Corps. Njoya also often wore a coloured sash cross the shoulder decorated with leopard's claws as a sign of his royalty. His hat is a Bamum design, richly decorated with beads and jewellery all of Bamum design and topped with a black plume. Although the original photo only shows Njoya from the waist up, I have illustrated him wearing leather riding boots with stirrups as he is seen in several other photos. These were probably of German origin.

King Njoya, Fon of Bamum (18??-1933, reigned 1886-1931) was in every sense of the term an enlightened despot. He inherited the kingdom from his father Nsangu, in 1886 and immediately encouraged arts and building projects. He had an ornate brickwork palace built in Foumban based on German designs (see above right). Perhaps his greatest achievement was to invent and introduce the first written alphabet for the Bamum language. He was keen to learn from neighbouring cultures and assimilate them into Bamum culture. He converted to Islam which he learned from Hausa contact in the North, although he blended it with the old tribal ancestor worship. He welcomed German and Swiss missionaries and regularly attended their meetings although never became a Christian. When the French took over most of Cameroon in 1916, they considered Njoya a trouble maker. In 1931 he was arrested, deposed and exiled for life by the French. The monarchy was later restored in Bamum and Njoya's descendants still reign to this day, albeit with no political power any longer.

Prussian Garde du Corps Helmet
Musée Royale de l'Armée Collection

Njoya's Helmets Today
(See Photos from Foumban Page)
Photo copyright Arne Schöfert

Genuine German Hussar Tunics
Musée Royale de l'Armée Collection

A Monument to Njoya in Foumban wearing Islamic Hausa robes
(See Photos from Foumban Page)
Photo copyright Arne Schöfert

Njoya's Palace in Foumban
(See Photos from Foumban Page)
Photo copyright Arne Schöfert