Feather Hat
Cameroon
Description
When the mesh cap is turned inside out, this chief's hat collapses into an easily stored bundle of feathers.
Subject Matter:
In the Cameroon Grassfields, hats and caps acted as signifiers of status. When all men covered their heads, most wore plain black caps. In the past, when slavery was in place, slaves were prohibited from wearing hats or caps. Titled or elite men wore more elaborated hats that varied in their form and the materials used. In addition to the shape of the hat denoting a man’s status in society, the materials used also contributed to the level of prestige represented in a hat.
Feather hats or headdresses, such as this one, would have been an important part of ceremonial regalia. Lead dancers often wore and continue to wear these hats at festivals. Certain feathers used to only be found in the hats of elite men, such as the red tail feathers from grey parrots or feathers from turaco birds. Similar hats made from red feathers were often worn by members of the Kuosi society during ceremonial events and festivals. By tying feathers to raffia splits attached to a raffia cap, the hats are made to be collapsable. When not in use, they can then be hung from the rafters.
Physical Description:
This cap is made from woven fiber with dark purple, dark green, and brown feathers. The feathers face upward and outward, forming a dome-like shape to the cap. Around the bottom edge there is a row of feathers that are longer than those at the middle of the cap. Near the top and center of the cap are long feathers that stick straight up.
Usage Rights:
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