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DepartmentAfrica

Chikeka

NameWomens headress
CultureHambukushu
Date20th century
Place madeAngola, Africa
Place madeNamibia, Africa
Place madeBotswana, Africa
MediumHide (perhaps antelope), plant fiber (yiyo), beads, fat, ochre
Dimensions21 1/4 × 8 1/4 × 8 1/4 in. (54 × 21 × 21 cm)
Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Nancy Benkof and Paul Pletka, A.2016.16.1
Object numberA.2016.16.1
DescriptionWoman's wig headdress (chikeka). Made of hide ( perhaps antelope), and natural fiber braids, which hang past shoulders. The center raised ridge is decorated with pink, green and white beads. At the front are bunched and packed fibers mixed with rat red ochre creating an arch around the forehead. (Stand to go with it)