Miao Silver Ceremonial Hat

Four horns and a small tiered spire, and the hat has barely begun.

This Miao silver ceremonial hat comes from southeastern Guizhou Province, China, early to mid 20th century, in repousse with two tiers of horns and dangles. Miao women wear such hats at festivals and weddings, and the horns are often explained by the importance of the water buffalo in Miao life. Curved horns sweep up in two tiers, with flat spiral disks set at their sides, around a stepped cluster of cones. Below, birds and figures crowd the embossed bands. A single chain with dangles hangs from one side. Twelve and a half inches wide, 8 deep and 9.5 high.

Doorways may have to be considered.