Bamileke JuJu Headdress (Tyn)

Cameroon

Late 20th century

Fiber, feathers, string

The use of feathers in African headdresses is typically reserved for regalia and for ceremonial occasions. Worn with an elaborate costume and beaded mask, Royal Dancers would wear this headdress during ceremonies such as the Elephant Dance or for the funeral of the Fon, the Supreme Chief. These rituals demonstrated the wealth, power, and prestige of the chiefdom. Despite its size and intricate design, the hat is constructed to collapse inward, protecting the feathers and making it easier to store.