15 African Headdresses: A Crown for Every Craft

The African headdress

The African headdress is an elaborate piece of art worn on the head to denote one's high position in society. People in leadership positions, administrators or spiritual leaders, and sometimes the wealthy in society, often wore headdresses on special occasions.

Feathers, animal skin, or hides

A large majority of traditional headdresses were designed to rise in height from the crown of the head, and often included items such as feathers, animal skin or hides. Sometimes the headdresses were decorated with bead work, embroidery, paint, leaf fronds, porcupine quills or other animal parts.

Adornment: a social and functional perspective of headgear

In as much as most African headdresses had a profound cultural meaning attached, some were worn purely for their glamour during social appearances – for instance, during dances. Others were worn purely for their ability to shield the wearer against the elements as they carried on with their day to day activities

Symbols of leadership

Various communities had a specific headdress which reflected that the wearer had attained an exceptional level of authority and wisdom. Consequently, such gear was reserved only for the chiefs and elders of the community.

Explore Kenyan culture through these 15 African headdresses...

1: Turkana chief headdress

This is a Turkana chief in ceremonial headdress made of ostrich feathers.

2: Pokot elder headdress

A Pokot elder wearing an ostrich feather headdress.

3: Mbeere elder headdress

A Mbeere elder wearing ostrich feather headgear, signifying his social status.

4: Borana chief headdress

A Borana chief wearing a traditional turban and an ostrich feather. The chieftaincy was denoted by the metal phallic symbol worn on his forehead, which is referred to as Kalacha. These and other items were symbols of leadership.

5: Maasai warrior headdress

A Maasai warrior wearing a headdress made of lion mane, which symbolises bravery.

6: Maasai warrior headdress

A Maasai warrior, commonly referred to as a moran, in ceremonial regalia and traditional weaponry. His headdress is made of ostrich feathers and cow skin. It is sewn using leather thongs and has a leather strap to keep it in place when worn. These were worn by the Maasai morans who had gone through circumcision.

7: Pokot warrior headdress

A Pokot warrior wearing a headdress made of hair and clay.

8: Kadam warrior headdress

A high ranking warrior, as indicated by the red feathers and the arrangement of his headdress. The tattoo on his right side means that he has killed a man in battle.

9: Njemps warrior headdress

A Njemps warrior wearing a lion mane headgear and holding a leather shield and spear.

10: Kisa basketry headdress

A Kisa man wearing a ceremonial outfit comprising of a basketry headdress decked with skin and feathers, and a leopard skin cloak.

11: Pokot warrior headdress

A Pokot warrior dressed up for a dance.

12: Mbeere warrior headdress

A Mbeere warrior in ceremonial wear, white ochre paintings, and ostrich feather headgear.

13:Turkana elder attire

A Turkana elder dressed for a dance. His headdress is made of ostrich feathers.

14: Samia headdress

A Samia man adorned in ceremonial wear and bead necklaces.

15: Samia headdress

Samia warrior dressed in a ceremonial skirt and headdress, and armed with a shield and spear.