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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Hair Headdress
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Hair Headdress

Artist/Maker Inca Cusco/Central Highlands, Peru
Date1470-1532
CultureInca
Mediumllama wool, dye and human hair
DimensionsOverall: 46 in. (116.8 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMuseum purchase through 1987 Acquisition Funds
Terms
    Object number87.0183
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    • Art of the Ancient Americas
    DescriptionThe base of this ceremonial headdress is a skullcap made of llama wool, with about four pounds of human hair attached. The hair is woven into 160 braids that hang in two tiers, the longest measuring over a yard in length. In ancient times it was worn only by a high priest during religious services. The significance of hair, which is believed to have a vital link with the life force, dates back to at least the Moche Period (1-700). Among the Inca, a child was not named until after an elaborate ceremony involving hair-cutting. In Peru, modern shamans continue to make use of hair in their curing ceremonies.
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