Wow. Have you seen these? When I first saw a Juju hat I thought it was some kind of amazing, mystical, heavenly, perfected wreath that I had to make.
This photo is byLouise from Table Tonic, a blog and a shop where you can buy these voluptuous wreath like beauties. Here’s what the Table Tonic website says about Juju Hats::
Traditionally worn by Village Chiefs in the Cameroon region of central Africa, Juju hats have since gained popularity with interior designers, and are often used as an eye-catching accessory for the home. Beautiful bird feathers are painstakingly hand sewn onto a raffia fiber base/basket that splays out into a huge circle. Feathers are considered rare objects of beauty and a symbol of prosperity and wealth associated with the positive qualities of birds. When not in use, the Juju hat can be neatly folded in on itself for easy storage. A perfect example of fine, unique and skillful weaving from Central West Africa, Juju hats have featured in high-end decor magazines, such as Domino, Elle Decor and Inside Out, to name a few.
Because of the craftsmanship these are expensive. I’ve seen them for $400-$800. But just because something is entirely out of my price range doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy looking at it. Or even think about how I can hack something like it for myself.
I tried to follow the pinterest rabbit trail for this photo and it led to From the Right Bank but I still couldn’t find the actual source, the only downfall of pinterest. The colors on these feathers are lovely and these hats are the “look at me” of every room.
another pinterest mystery
And they can fit in with just about any style.
Averill from Odi et Amo held a little discussion asking her readers if they were over with the juju hat craze. Apparently, while I’ve been perfecting my Pioneer Woman version of cinnamon rolls and cleaning toilets, the real designers have been gawking over these for years. She wondered if they were going to be the next “Keep Calm and Carry On” trend. Plus, they were seen on HGTV and real designers hate it when something shows up on HGTV because that means normal folk might start using it and the item has then gone “mainstream”, I wonder if that means they are all throwing their Juju hats in the trash? Maybe I will find one at my local thrift store? Anyhow, it’s a really great post at a beautiful blog and worth the click. Plus, Averill took a poll from her readers to see how they felt about the Juju hat craze and she has lots of lovely photos.
And because bloggers are amazing…
Rosa at Flutter Flutter created a $10 version that uses yarn and looks really good especially for a tiny fraction of the price of an authentic hat. You can also purchase one from her etsy shop.
A new to me blogger, Kelly at View Along the Way had a funny take on the Juju.
They also remind me of the feather boa wreaths we all made 5 years ago~only these are more organized. I wonder if there is a way to use feathers to make your own but not pay $400? If any one does it, email me ASAP.
So, I’d love to hear your thoughts, like em? Hate em? Have one? Want to wear one? Ideas to hack one?
