Bamileke Hat (Juju Hat):
Bamileke Hat (Juju Hat):
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The eye-catching Bamileke feather headdress, has been hand-crafted by the Bamileke people in Cameroon for generations, using the feathers of chickens and sometimes wild guinea fowl, the former which have been coloured using natural organic dyes. Each feather quill is carefully wrapped in a black fabric and sewn onto a basket-like base made of raffia. This makes it easy to fold closed and open.
The Bamileke headdress/hat has been embraced by western interior design. It is the used as a wall decor accessory and table decoration, opening like a blossoming flower.
Each hat is individually crafted, hand woven from natural raffia fibres, making each one unique and different. As a result, variation in colour and size are not uncommon.
It is recommended not to cut any strings as this is part and parcel of the headdress, helping to keep it closed.
If you have questions about a particular item or would like to order, please contact Tribal Traces. We are more than happy and willing to answer.
BACKSTORY:
My Journal on these hats says it all:
“If you go to Cameroon and say you want to buy a “juju hat” and then point to one of these beautiful feathered babies, you will get a curious look from everyone around you or uncomfortable loud laughter. For some reason these hats have been well received in the West, but not their true name. The “Bamileke hat” or “Tyn hat” from the Bamileke tribes of Cameroon have come a long way. Traditionally worn as a ceremonial headdress for festivities and tribal ceremonial dances, it has now morphed into a precious piece of contemporary home decor, adorning stylish homes as wall hangings, table decorations or shown off on a pedestal….“
PRODUCT DETAILS/SPECIFICATION:
Type: Bamileke Traditonal Headdress (Juju Hat)
Dimensions: Large: Diameter: 70 – 85 cm, Weight: 2 kg
Medium/Small: Diameter: 45 - 55 cm, Weight: n/a
Style: Tribal
Geographic origin: Cameroon
Date of manufacture: 2018
Period: 21st Century
Materials and techniques: Feathers, raffia, string (cotton/synthetic)
Condition: Good
Condition/wear/details: Balanced tribal quality, including very minor imperfections and dirt but generally is in excellent condition. It is usual with tribal pieces that some very minor, nearly imperceptible losses/imperfections exist.
You May Also Like
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
An excellent specimen of a very rare and decorative antique sofa/settee/couch from the German Biedermeier period of circa 1830 – 1850, converts to a chaise lounge in an instant. The legs, rail, arms and shoulder board of this dramatic Biedermeier, were most likely carved from beautiful walnut wood as wood had become the most important motif of decoration and walnut wood a most frequently used.
The couch incorporates elegant scroll arms either side, with a padded backrest and a comfortable firm sprung seat. Two sets of 6.3 cm/63 mm brass latches allow the back of the sofa to be removed if so desired – adding another dimension, converting it into a chaise lounge. The sofa stands on its original scroll legs. It is very heavy to lift which is always a sign of authenticity and quality!
Tribal Traces commissioned a French professional upholsterer with the restoration of this piece. It has been painstakingly restored, refurbished and reupholstered with a beautiful double woven fabric (70% viscose and 30% polyester), suitably called, “jungle”. This Biedermeier is extremely comfortable, sturdy and solid with its original beautiful wooden frame. The luster of wood was restored with a professional French hand polish.
If you have questions about a particular item or would like to order, please contact Tribal Traces. We are more than happy and willing to answer.