261125 - Traditional Feather Juju Headdress - Juju Hat - Cameroon.

Traditional Feather Juju Headdress - Juju Hat - Cameroon.

Hand made, the size are 60 cm wide.

Bamileke people live in the Cameroon Grasslands.

The Bamileke are among the artistic elite of the Cameroon Grasslands area. They are ruled by kings, and many of their masks are for royal festivities.
These special headdresses are made of bird feathers and have their own built-in self-storage capacity, as the entire headdress can be turned inside out, with the feathers protected by an inverted fiber cap. When not in use, the hats can be stored in this manner, protecting all but the tips of the feathers from deterioration (See pictures). This type of headdress is not limited to the Bamileke; it has long been used among the Tikar, Babanki, etc. The feathers come from the type of birds widespread in the region and the most symbolic ones in the context of these cultures. They use dried feathers that they put together to sew them. They build the base with vegetable fibers.

Feather headdresses are worn by the King (Fon) and also by other members of the palace during festivals. The most spectacular moment where the dancers wear this type of hat is during the dance of the Kuosi society, also called the elephant society. This prestigious society is led by the members of the king's family. They are the most indicative to wear this prestigious hat also. This hat with other forms of ceremonial costume demonstrates the power and prestige of the chiefdom.