woven raffia covered with red wool on which are three large frogs made of applique green and beige squares surrounded by blue wool blanket stitching; triangular area of white beads in front and back; each frog also has eyes of white beads with blue bead centers; raffia ties at center back Old accession tag inside cap : "14030.0, NW Kamerun" suggests that it may have come froma German collection. The shape of the cap is that of prestige caps worn in Bamoun, The iconography of frogs and perhaps snakes symbolized in the blue and green beadwork around each of the white areas is also typical for Bamoun. A hat with similar iconography, once worn by the Fon of Banso, is illustrated in Tamara Northern, THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD. Storrs, CT: 1975., p. 74-cat. card

Beaded Cap, late 19th century

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The shape of the hat and the imagery of frogs are typical of Bamum prestige hats, but it is known that in the early twentieth century, Bamum artists made similar hats for the court of the neighboring kingdom of Nso. The three large frogs appliqued on this hat symbolize power, royalty, and fertility. Only the king, descendants of royalty, and elite dignitaries would wear this type of hat.

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Details
Title
Beaded Cap
Role
Artist
Accession Number
81.39
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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woven raffia covered with red wool on which are three large frogs made of applique green and beige squares surrounded by blue wool blanket stitching; triangular area of white beads in front and back; each frog also has eyes of white beads with blue bead centers; raffia ties at center back Old accession tag inside cap : "14030.0, NW Kamerun" suggests that it may have come froma German collection. The shape of the cap is that of prestige caps worn in Bamoun, The iconography of frogs and perhaps snakes symbolized in the blue and green beadwork around each of the white areas is also typical for Bamoun. A hat with similar iconography, once worn by the Fon of Banso, is illustrated in Tamara Northern, THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD. Storrs, CT: 1975., p. 74-cat. card