Bamileke
Cameroon
Coastal West Africa
Headdress
INV-2298
Bamileke
Cameroon
Coastal West Africa20th century
bamilekeArts of Africaafrican ArtCoastal West Africaheaddressarts of Africa
Date
20th century
Medium
Raffia and porcupine quills
Dimensions
71.1 × 71.1 cm (28 × 28 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Gift of Donald Young and Shirley Weese Young
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.
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