Mid 20th Century The Mounted Ashetu Hat of the Bamum and Bamileke People

Details

Description

Adorned with spiked braids, this prestigious custom mounted Ashetu hat embodies the cultural significance of the Bamum and Bamileke people … Read more Adorned with spiked braids, this prestigious custom mounted Ashetu hat embodies the cultural significance of the Bamum and Bamileke people of Cameroon, Central Africa, who revered the human head as the vessel of one's spirit and intellect. In their tribal tradition, hats held paramount importance, denoting social status and occupation during ceremonies. Crafted meticulously from woven hemp fibers using the ancient 'knotless knitting' technique, the Ashetu epitomizes prestige, exclusively donned by esteemed men and elite dignitaries. Each crocheted burl, housing a small wooden peg, pays homage to traditional hairstyles of ranking officials, echoing through sculptural representations. With dimensions of 11.5" x 11.5" x 14.5"H, this emblem of honor communicates hierarchy through its size, shape, and materials, preserving the rich heritage of Cameroonian craftsmanship.

11.5" x 11.5" x 14.5" See less