Bamun Leather Ceremonial Headdress

Long braided tails, a leather crown, and a good deal of swing.

This ceremonial headdress was made by the Bamun of Cameroon, Central Africa, in the 20th century, using hair, hemp and leather. Such pieces are commonly linked to rank and performance in the Grassland kingdoms. A flat panel of aged leather sits on top of the cap, and thick twisted cords of dark fiber fall well past the base on every side. A thin cord with small knotted ends trails from the left edge, and the fiber has faded to brown in places.

About 24 inches tall on its stand. Tall, dark and slightly unruly, like the best dinner guests.