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Masquerade tunic, late 19th–early 20th century
Kingdom of Bamilike, Cameroon Grassfields
Plant fiber, human hair
Purchase, Janet A. Sloane Gift, 1994 (1994.413.2)

The small round tufts of human hair embroidered on the ground fabric of this tunic are symbolic of the leopard. In this region of Africa, the leopard is the most revered animal of the natural world, embodying the qualities of leadership and power. Worn for masquerade, the potent symbolism of the tunic transforms the wearer by imparting the noble traits of the leopard.

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    Masquerade tunic, late 19th–early 20th century
    Kingdom of Bamilike, Cameroon Grassfields
    Plant fiber, human hair
    Purchase, Janet A. Sloane Gift, 1994 (1994.413.2)