This ceremonial hat, bearing an animal crest, is beautifully adorned with spiral, circular and triangular beaded decorations in prominent colours of green, brown, red and white. A beaded open-mouthed leopard, crouches on top of the headdress. Among the Bamileke, the leopard is a symbol of leadership and power. In Bamileke art, the arrangement of beads into triangular patterns(known as 'isoceles triangles') relate to the spots of the leopard. A face, composed of geometric designs, features at the front of the hat.
Ex Private Collection, Italy
Estimated Period: Mid-20th Century or Before
H (Excl. Display Stand): 27cm
W: 22cm
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