Male Head Adornment and Snuff Container

Male Head Adornment and Snuff Container. Karamojong Culture, Northern Uganda

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A Karamojong man would have worn this hat, surmounted by ostrich plumes, as a visual emblem of status and wealth. The head adornment has been made from natural bristle fibre attached to a woven fibre cap, and features a small decoration - possibly a charm - at the front. This decorative feature has been coloured with natural ochre pigment, and running along the outer rim of the hat is a strand of red and blue early glass beads. A long section of animal bone has been used to create the accompanying snuff container, which has been sealed at each end with leather caps decorated with small glass beads. Attached to the container's colonial-period chain are three small charms.

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Ex Private Collection, UK