Bamileke Juju Feather Headdress On Woven Basketry Cameroon
Width: 13.0
Depth: 18.0
Description
This authentic, purple-feathered headdress is made of wild birds indigenous to the Cameroon Grasslands region that are most symbolic of the Bamileke culture. Though this type of headdress is not limited to the Bamilek, they are among the artistic elite of the 'Grassfields People.' These types of headdresses are often worn by the King (Fon) and used for royal festivities such as the dance of the 'Kuosi Society,' also called the Elephant Society. This prestigious society is led by the members of the kingship to demonstrate the power and prestige of the chiefdom.
The headdress is first woven at the base with vegetable fibers and slowly hand-stitched with dried feathers into each knot. With its own built-in self-storage capacity, the entire headdress can be turned inside out, where the feathers become protected by the inverted fiber cap. When not in use, it can be stored in this manner(see pictures for details).
Height (In)
18.0
Width (In)
13.0
Depth (In)
18.0
Will arrive folded; as seen in the pictures. Stand is not included.
Any item with feathers needs to be periodically frozen -- they are subject to little insects. We freeze/thaw our items, so they arrive "pest free." We recommend that you periodically wrap in plastic, freeze for 5 days, leave out 2 days, and freeze for another five days any time you see signs of activity!
149541
Approximate Age: mid-20th century
People: Bamileke
Country of Origin: Cameroon
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.