Sunday, August 21, 2011

The Juju Headress

In West Africa in the mountains of Cameroon.  During royal court affairs, the celebrants of these kingdoms wear a spectacular headdress known as the Tyn or Juju hat. The hat is worn by the chiefs, senior dignitaries, prominent officials and important dancers. This large bright hat consists of multi-colored bird feathers. The feathers range in a wide variety of colors including white. The feathers are carefully sewn onto a raffia fiber base, covered with material on the outside that splays out into a huge circle. When not in use between festivities, the Tyn hat can be neatly folded in on itself for easy storage. The feathers are utilized as rare objects of beauty, as a symbol of prosperity and for the wealth of positive qualities associated with birds. 

I've been looking on obscure websites and Ebay for a inexpensive version, but haven't had luck in finding one for under $300.  How can we make our own?


 

I like how they can be used as an accent or focal point of a space.


The White Headdress looks the most understated.








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