Oh - Chicken Feathers!

I've fallen in love with some beautiful African treasures.

These stunning creations are made from chicken feathers (& guinea fowl) and hand-tied 

with raffia and bamboo.   

The hats were originally called Tyn Hats - but now mainly referred 

to as Juju hats - with the name designated by the Europeans.  There are many options of where the name originated, but I like the French translation of toy (joujou) the best.  :)  

They are traditionally worn by tribal chiefs, royal families and dignitaries during 

tribal ceremonies in Cameroon, designating power and wealth.   

The elaborate plumages are also worn during local festivals and 

for regional ceremonial dances.  

The hats are constructed by the Bamileke tribe, who have been making them for 

hundreds of years, passing their skills down through the generations. 

  

 Each hat is unique and takes 2-3 days to complete.  Raffia is woven around bamboo slats or woven palm tree fibers - and fitted with naturally dyed individual feathers arranged in a circular fashion.   There is a leather strap attached to the back to pull the hat out to its full size.  The diameter of the hats range from approx 18 inches to 36 inches.   The hat folds up into a basket shape making it very easy to store or transport.

Even though they are still used today in the villages throughout Cameroon, they have become a modern and colorful wall decoration for homes, hotels, restaurants and businesses.   They were recently featured on HGTV and the picture below is from House Beautiful, August 2017.   The hats are shown and displayed by renown interior designers all over the world - and these authentic pieces are ONLY made in Cameroon!   

The hats add texture, color and design to any wall space.   They give both a tribal and contemporary appeal to many rooms.    

.  

The juju hats are a global decorating trend, and they look stunning 

on the wall in groups or by themselves.  

The depth of texture and the abundance of colors and sizes, make 

this an iconic designer piece, that few can own.  

If you would be interested in a juju hat, just let me know.  

They are truly African treasures and a fabulous statement piece for your home.

What a find!