Royal Feather Hat (aka “juju hat” or “tyn”; Bamileke People, Cameroon)

The Bamileke are a grassfields people who inhabit the West Region of Cameroon. This object is commonly known as the “juju hat” or “tyn,” and functions socially as a fashion ornament utilized in royal festivities and rituals. By cultural tradition, these hats are believed to represent both the beauty and fragility of the avian world – and by extension, our own. “Juju” hats are hand crafted from raffia, woven as a base or support structure. “Afterward, feathers taken from a chicken, guinea bird, or other wild avian are dyed and attached to the base. A leather strap is often attached to the back and is used to pull the hat open to its full breadth” (Afro Chic: 2020).

REFERENCE:

“History of the Juju Hat.” 2020. Afro Chic. Brooklyn, NY 11216.