500351 Leopard Caryatid Stool, possibly 1800s (wood, cotton, fabric and glass beads) by Bamileke Culture (19th century); 51x38x43 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: Bead-covered wooden stools and thrones are one of the most prevalent art forms among the various kingdoms and chiefdoms in the Cameroon grasslands. This example, once part of the royal treasury, belongs in the category of "travel stools," usually used in conjunction with more private, minor ceremonies and rituals at the palace. The leopard imagery confirms the object??? royal status. It alludes to the belief that the king was able to temporarily transform himself into this feared predator. ); Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund; African, out of copyright.