Gail Martin Gallery Image Enlargement

Ancient, antique and ethnographic textiles
 Africa

A684
PRESTIGE HAT
NW CAMEROON, TIKAR PEOPLE 20th century
crocheted cotton with added feathers; 9 ½” high
The king ( fon ) controlled and restricted material wealth within his kingdom.
Of all types of materials that embellish Cameroon hats, feathers are considered
the to be of the highest status level and therefore their usage is most restricted by the king.
Only royalty or the fon would have been allowed to wear this type of hat.