Bamileke Ashetu or Ceremonial Hat, Based

The head, the Bamum and Bamileke felt, deserved appreciation. So they dressed it.

Finely made hats were worn to honor it and to signal standing in the community. This ashetu, made in Cameroon in the 20th century, begins with a close conical crown of fine looped fiber. Over that spills a dense mantle of curling loops, hundreds of small tendrils falling outward and down the sides like a coat of fleece. The fiber has mellowed to a warm russet brown.

Fifteen inches tall on its stand. Almost animal. Do not be surprised if it seems to breathe.