Prestige Hat

NameHat

CultureBekom tribe

DateEarly 20th century

Place madevillage of Bamenda, Central Grasslands, Cameroon, Africa

MediumCotton, wool, camwood, pith palm, indigo and other vegetal dyes

Dimensions6 × 9 × 9 in. (15.24 × 22.86 × 22.86 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Lloyd E. Cotsen and the Neutrogena Corporation, A.1995.93.10

Object numberA.1995.93.10

Collections

DescriptionThe hat is partially made of knitted cotton and sewn-in circular patches of a dark red, light-weight, woven cotton (lined with a heavier woven cotton). The knitted edges around the woven patches are striped light and dark in a pearling technique. The patches themselves are covered with 1" X 1/2"D stubby spikes. These have been covered in a knit-one/pearl-one knitting in alternating dark and light stripes. Their tips are finished with appliqued patches of green and red felt; colors are off-white, red, blue, orange-red, pale green; made of cotton and wool; techniques are knitting and applique. Color: Red, blue, natural tan Technique: Knotting, Knitting and applique piecework Worn by chiefs and village elders who have attained important status in a village.