Collaborating with the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac and France Muséums, Louvre Abu Dhabi has organised Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power, a landmark exhibition dedicated to African royal heritage. Curated by Hélène Joubert, El Hadji Malick Ndiaye, and Cindy Olohou — three curators in ancient and contemporary African art — this showcase offers a profound exploration of Africa’s dynastic history, artistry, and the enduring symbolism of power. It will remain open until 8 June 2025.
The exhibition features 350+ artefacts spanning from the 11th to the 21st century, most of which are loaned from the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac collection, and comprises three regional sections. In the first one, Kingdoms of West Africa, one can find masterpieces from the Yoruba, Benin, Akan, and Danhomè cultures. Notable exhibits such as the crowned head of Queen Oluwo from Ife, Nigeria (14th/15th century) and gilded Baule royal shoes (Côte d’Ivoire) exemplify the region’s intricate artistry and royal symbolism.
The Art and Power in Central Africa section includes ceremonial objects from the Kongo, Luba, and Teke kingdoms, including Nkisi Nkondi (“nail fetish”) figures created to house specific mystical forces. These items illustrate the fusion of spiritual and political authority. The last section, Kingdoms and Empires of Southern and East Africa, showcases artefacts from the Zulu and Ethiopian kingdoms, such as imperial crowns and religious manuscripts, reflecting the rich traditions and spiritual depth of these regions.
The exhibition also integrates modern perspectives with works by contemporary African artists. Visitors can look at Fluctuating Throne by Mozambican artist Gonçalo Mabunda, a sculpture created from decommissioned weapons, a symbol of resilience and transformation. British-Trinidad artist Zak Ové presents his Black Starliner, a 13-meter totem exploring themes of Afrofuturism and identity. This piece is displayed in the museum’s outdoor gallery.
Among the contemporary artworks on view are also African artist Abdoulaye Konaté’s work Le Mali un trésor, in which he explores the legacy of the Mali Empire that played a crucial role in shaping global economic systems, and Detsi, a vibrant piece by Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui who uses bottle caps sourced from alcohol recycling stations to creates large-scale cloth-like wall sculptures.
To get more information about Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power, please go to the official web page of the exhibition.
In addition, you might be interested in exploring LOBI LOBI by Cameroonian artist Pascale Marthine Tayou, one of the online exhibitions at the Cultural Foundation. We would also recommend that you read our article about some of the must-see art pieces on display at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
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