Miao Silver Ceremonial Hat

A crown of silver cones, with chains that fall well past the shoulders.

This Miao silver ceremonial hat comes from southeastern Guizhou Province, China, and dates to the early or mid 20th century. It is repousse silver with twisted wire. Miao women and girls wear silver headdresses like this at festivals and weddings, where silver shows family wealth and skill. The helmet rises in tiers of wire-wrapped cones to a single peak. An octagonal floral pattern runs in panels around the side. Two long chains hang from the band, each ending in a shaped plaque with thin metal dangles. Just under eight inches high and nine in diameter.

Hat etiquette has seldom been so clear. You take this one seriously.