Throughout the Cameroon Grassfields, headgear and other forms of dress convert material wealth into symbolic capital within a political economy of prestige. On formal occasions, when a Grassfields man wears the distinctive burled cotton cap (ashetu) such as this one, his hat asserts his particular local ethnic identity, alludes to Grassfields history and cultural values, and serves to underscore his social status and his sphere of influence within the community. These prestige caps have reinforced wood burl extensions that are reminiscent of an elaborate hairstyle once worn throughout the Grassfields area.
Description:
Man's knitted or crocheted hat in a tall, cylindrical shape with alternating black and white rings at the bottom and top. The overall design is in circles with rod-like shapes projecting.
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
