Beaded Cap by Bamum

Beaded Cap c. late 19th century

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bamum

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natural stone pattern

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colourful design

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collage layering style

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wool

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multifaceted design

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fashion and textile design

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wearable design

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pattern repetition

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scandi design

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layered pattern

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cartoon theme

This "Beaded Cap" is a late 19th-century example of Bamum artistry. The cap's design features intricate beadwork, likely created by hand, with an abstract pattern composed of a red background with green, black, and blue geometric shapes. The meticulous craftsmanship and use of vibrant colors showcase the high level of skill in Bamum beadwork, a significant form of traditional art and cultural expression from Cameroon. The cap's current location at the Minneapolis Institute of Art allows for continued appreciation of the artistry and cultural heritage it represents.

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minneapolisinstituteofart's Profile Picture
minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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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