Headdress and cape c. 20th century

This Zulu headdress and cape is an explosion of pattern and colour, carefully constructed by hand. It's so vibrant, a celebration of materials and making. The materials used are really striking, from the soft feathers to the colorful beads, and the furry pom poms, creating a rich surface that’s both visually exciting and physically engaging. Take a closer look at the band down the centre. It’s covered in tiny triangles, each one carefully placed and filled in with different coloured beads. It’s so precise, but the slight variations in each triangle give it a human feel. The combination of geometric shapes and organic materials like feathers and fur creates a really interesting tension in the piece. The headdress reminds me of the work of the artist, Nick Cave, who uses found objects to create amazing sculptures. This Zulu headdress, like Cave’s sculptures, reminds us that art can be found in everyday materials.