Bamileke Headdress, Cameroon

Calmly, a round burst of white feathers, fluffed like a very proud dandelion.

This chicken feather headdress is Bamileke, from Cameroon, Central Africa, and is contemporary. Feathers have been used for headwear in many African societies because they are light, take color well and can be arranged into bold shapes for dances and ceremonies. Presented simply, a circular mass of long white feathers radiating from a darker center. The feathers overlap in rings and curve slightly at the tips, with a few brown and grey flecks near the middle. The outline is soft and slightly uneven. It is 5 inches high and 22 in diameter.

All fluff, no apologies, and a very round attitude.