In Powerful Headdresses, 120 African and Asian headdresses come to life in marvelous reproductions. Made by remarkably skilled craftsmen, each distinctive form of headwear has an opulence and symbolism of its own. Constructed with plant materials such as fibers, seeds, leaves, and flowers, as well as feathers, shells, teeth, and fur, each of these articles was designated for a different member of society. The headdresses were worn by initiates, hunters and warriors, religious dignitaries and healers, rulers and notables, unmarried girls, married women, and young mothers. Some examples also include iron, copper, silver, and gold. Powerful Headdresses illustrates and explains the signifi­cance of these important cultural symbols, and explains how, as trade increased, knowledge of new techniques and methods of fabrication advanced the decorative beauty of historic headwear.

Anne van Cutsem-Vanderstraete, an art historian, is the author of many books, articles, and catalogs on ethnic art and culture.

 

Mauro Magliani is an Italian fine-art photographer.