As I’ve mentioned before on our blog, I love the DMA’s African collection. Below are photos of some of my favorite hats in African Headwear: Beyond Fashion, an exhibition currently on view at the Museum. Some of these hats are from the DMA’s collection, but there are also many loans and new acquisitions in the exhibition. I think my absolute favorite is the Royal Messenger’s Headdress from Cameroon. I love the bold shape and purple dye!
Royal Crown (ade), Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, late 19th to early 20th century, Dallas Museum of Art, gift of David T. Owsley via the Alvin and Lucy Owsley Foundation, 2008.39.a-b
Diviner’s Headdress, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tabwa peoples, first half of the 20th century, Dallas Museum of Art, gift of the Cecil and Ida Green Foundation, 1999.62
Chief’s Headdress, Kenya, Turkana peoples, mid-20th century, Lent by George and Sidney Perutz, 82.2009.3
Prestige Cap, Cameroon, Bamum peoples, first half of the 20th century, Dallas Museum of Art, gift of the Junior Associates, 1997.15
Head-Tie (Gele), Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, c. 2011, Lent by Taiye Ozigbo, 32.2011
Royal Messenger’s Headdress, Cameroon, Bamileke peoples, 20th century, Lent by Michael and Shelly Dee, 10.2009
I’m looking forward to the arrival of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk in November–I think it will be fun to compare his fashion designs with some of the works of art in African Headwear. I already have ideas for our next installment of Provocative Comparisons!
Shannon Karol
Manager of Docent Programs and Gallery Teaching
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