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

Hair Headdress

Artist/Maker (Cusco/Central Highlands, Peru)
Date1470-1532
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
    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.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dan people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bassa people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    collected 1932
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 350-550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 650-850
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Kayan Dayak people
    late 19th to early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Inca
    1438-1532