Ashetu prestige cap

mid-20th century

Not on view

The Cameroon grassfields region is home to over 200 independent kingdoms, including the Bamileke, Bamum, Bamenda, etc.). Within this diverse region, prestige caps play a vital role in communicating status and authority. Ashetu are distinctive among the vibrant array of headdresses for their incorporation of finger-like extensions arranged in styles that reference elite coiffures. They are worn exclusively by fons (rulers) and titled men in the Bamileke and Bamum chiefdoms. They wear ashetu at harvest festivals, initiations, and other state ceremonies to honor their ancestors and reaffirm social hierarchies.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title:
Ashetu prestige cap
Artist:
Bamileke or Bamum artist
Date:
mid-20th century
Geography:
Cameroon, northwestern region
Culture:
Bamileke or Bamun peoples
Medium:
Cotton fiber, wool?, dye, wood?
Dimensions:
H. 11 in. (28 cm)
Classification:
Textiles-Costumes-Accessories
Object Number:
2025.831.19
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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