Leather Chiefs Hat

This cylindrical cap, or hat, is made from leather tooled with geometric designs. The top of the hat is fur-covered, and a long tail of tooled leather is attached to the bottom; it was decorated with cowrie shells, and four horns. The style of the hat suggests it may be an early example of a Temne or Bullom chiefs hat, complete with charms, or amulets.

Further Information

  • Type: Costume, dress, Regalia
  • Object: Leather Chiefs Hat
  • Materials: Bone, ivory, tooth, Leather, animal skin, Shell
  • Culture Group: Sherbro, Temne
  • Dimensions: 170mm [H] x 180mm [W] x 150mm [C]
  • Production Date: Pre 1875
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Augustus Wollaston Franks; J. E. Oakes
  • Museum: British Museum
  • Accession Number: BM:Af.9592

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