Images(2)

Prestige hat

Date20th century

Label TextProper dress requires a hat in the kingdoms of the Cameroon Grassfields. A palace ceremony would most certainly require a hat to reveal the bearer's rank. Large knit knobs are symbolic of a chief or king who has dominion over many individuals, palm trees, and other properties. Two tassels at the back indicate that the owner is a married man.

Object number81.17.755

Photo CreditPhoto: Paul Macapia

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, African Panoplies: Art for Rulers, Traders, Hunters, and Priests, Apr. 21 - Aug. 14, 1988. Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Indigo, May 9, 2003 - October 19, 2003 Published ReferencesKreamer, Christine Mullen, A Tribute to Roy Sieber, Part 1, in African Arts, Vol. 36, No. 1, Memorial to Roy Sieber, Part 1 (Spring 2003), pp. 12-23, 91; p. 20, fig.16

Credit LineGift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company

Dimensions15 1/8 x 14 x 12 7/8 in. (38.4 x 35.6 x 32.7 cm)

MediumCotton and feathers