Bamileke 'Juju' Hat
Tribe: Bamileke
Country: Cameroon
Size: 34"
Material: Reed, Cloth, Feathers
These hats, known as Tyn or Juju were worn during ceremonial celebrations. They often surrmounted the elephant mask of the Kousi society of the Bamileke, who reported directly to the King. They were formerly a warrior society and today are made up of powerful and wealthy men. the society that was responsible for the entertainment during festivities.
The Bamileke tribe was originally from an area to the north known as Mbam. In the 17th century traders moved southward and are currently in the grasslands of western Cameroon. Today their population consists of about eight million people. Although the Bamileke are primarily farmers, they are also hunters and traders. Women are responsible for planting and harvesting due to the belief that women make the soil more fruitful. The major crops grown are yams, peanuts, and maize. The men in the tribe help with clearing the land and hunting. |
