H x W x D: 22.6 x 74 x 72.5 cm (8 7/8 x 29 1/8 x 28 9/16 in.)
Type:
Textile and Fiber Arts
Geography:
Grassfields region, Cameroon
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
The numerous peoples of the Grassfields region of Cameroon are organized into chiefdoms, which are each ruled by a king who sits at the top of the social and political hierarchy. The hierarchy consists of male and female titleholders, drawn from both royal and common lineages, who enjoy economic and political privileges. Apparel worn by the king and prestigious individuals are among the treasured examples of Grassfields art, which include some of the most stunning and creative styles of hats, headdresses and caps.
Male dancers wear striking, feather headdress at various celebrations. Some of the feathers, which are secured to a mesh cap, may have come from the tail of an African gray parrot. The entire headdress can be turned inside out to provide storage for the feathers.
Description:
Circular feather headdress of dyed red feathers attached to a cloth covered in cane (?) strips. The headdress folds into a cylinder.
Provenance:
Warren M. Robbins, Washington, D.C., -- to 1983
Exhibition History:
Hats Off! A Salute to African Headwear, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., July 18-December 26, 1999
History, Context, Materials: Selections from the Permanent Collection of the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 12, 1985-January 5, 1986
Content Statement:
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