About this artwork
Among the various Bamileke kingdoms in the Grassfields region, porcupine quills are reserved for the king’s use. As part of a ceremonial hat like this example, the quills express the ruler’s sacred role. The king can apply his special powers and qualities, including the ability to capture and control animals and other natural elements, in order to protect himself and his people against external threats and to offer them support.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 137
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Department
- Arts of Africa
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Culture
- Bamileke
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Title
- Headdress
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Place
- Cameroon (Object made in)
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Date
- 1901–1999
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Medium
- Raffia and porcupine quills
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Dimensions
- 71.1 × 71.1 cm (28 × 28 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Donald Young and Shirley Weese Young
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Reference Number
- 2015.310