Helmet-shaped crest and small ceremonial adze ·  Gabon, Fang · ID: 3036945

Description

a) bonnet of animal skin with back flap, coated with plant fibre netting, in dense rows embroidered with cowrie shells, the neck flap strengthened with rotan strips, crest of several layers of bark cloth, long strings of cowries hanging down from the sides, h: ca. 20 cm, slightly dam., missing parts (two strings of cowries), traces of old age (fabric coating the crest decayed), metal base; b) flat shaft of light wood, l: 38 cm, mortised iron blade (corroded), two drilled holes;
headdresses often intended not only to decorate but also to convey membership of a community, status and sociocultural importance, and they fulfilled the same functions as hairstyles. The materials used to decorate these lasting productions were highly prized, either because of their sacred nature (feathers, hair) or because of their rarity (beads, cowries etc.)

Comparing literature

Hairstyles and headdresses, Paris 2003, p. 259