Man's Hat (Ashetu)
Bamileke · Early 20th century · Art Institute of Chicago
Guide
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From the museum
Throughout the many kingdoms and chiefdoms of the Cameroon Grassfields, hats made of diverse materials and in different forms evoke prestige and symbolize identity. Imitating an old hairstyle, this prestige cap was reserved for the king or chief and other high-ranking men. A team of specialized artisans constructed it with a knotless looping technique, which is considered one of the earliest textile processes. The red imported wool signals wealth and authority.
The museum’s own description, in English. Licence: CC BY 4.0
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Details
- Maker
- Bamileke or Bamum, Cameroon
- Date
- Early 20th century
- Medium
- Cotton and wool
- Dimensions
- 21 × 18.5 cm (8 1/4 × 7 1/4 in.)
- Place of origin
- Cameroon
- Held by
- Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · On view · Gallery 227
- Credit line
- Gift of the Michael R. Mack Collection in memory of Edwardo DeRon Tartt
