Headdress

Bamileke

20th century

Attribution: Bamileke Cameroon Coastal West Africa
Medium: Raffia and porcupine quills
Physical dimensions: 71.1 × 71.1 cm (28 × 28 in.)
Credit line: Gift of Donald Young and Shirley Weese Young

CATALOGUE RECORD

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Source rights statement: Public-domain image eligibility not established by this export

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From the museum

Among the various Bamileke kingdoms in the Grassfields region, porcupine quills are reserved for the king’s use. As part of a ceremonial hat like this example, the quills express the ruler’s sacred role. The king can apply his special powers and qualities, including the ability to capture and control animals and other natural elements, in order to protect himself and his people against external threats and to offer them support.

Description: Art Institute of Chicago · CC BY 4.0