Cameroonian Ceremonial Tunic, Based

Hundreds of feathers, and not one of them lying flat.

This ceremonial tunic comes from Oku Village in Cameroon and dates to the 20th century. It is woven cloth and feathers. The kingdoms of the Cameroon Grassfields, Oku among them, are known for elaborate court and society regalia, in which feathers often mark standing. Layer upon layer of quills overlap from a woven yoke at the shoulders, dark grey and brown shot through with cream. A V opens at the neck. It hangs from a metal crossbar on a square black stand. Fifty inches long and thirty-two wide.

Wearing it quietly was never going to be an option.