Man’s Hat (Ntamp)

Description

In the Grassfields region of Cameroon, hats play an important role not only in ceremonial dress but in everyday fashion as well. A ntamp, as this informal hat is called, is worn on nonceremonial days by men of moderate status and means, and can be identified by its often bright cotton thread and a broad, flat top. This one was also embellished with a ruffled wool brim. The crown of the hat was designed with a central bright red circle, with black geometric elements radiating outward, producing a strong graphic effect.

Provenance

Njoya Ibrahim, Douala, Cameroon, by 1994; sold to Douglas Dawson Gallery, Chicago, Ill., 1994; sold to Donald Young and Shirley Weese Young, Chicago, Ill., 1996; given to the Art Institute, 2015.

Man’s Hat (Ntamp)

Bamileke

Mid–20th century

Accession Number

229897

Medium

Wool, fiber, and pigment

Dimensions

11.5 × 22.9 × 21.6 cm (4 1/2 × 9 × 8 1/2 in.); 47 × 22.9 × 21.6 cm (18 1/2 × 9 × 8 1/2 in.)

Classification

hat

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Donald Young and Shirley Weese Young