Beaded Cap c. late 19th century
bamum
natural stone pattern
colourful design
collage layering style
wool
multifaceted design
fashion and textile design
wearable design
pattern repetition
scandi design
layered pattern
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.
Comments
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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