Jujus hats: they’re fun, they’re decorative, and they look great hanging on the wall. But what exactly are they?

Since we’ve recently introduced Juju hats into our home decor collection, we wanted to shed some light on these eye-catching fixtures so you know where they come from and how to use them in your space.

Read more below!

The history of Juju hats

Originating from the country of Cameroon in Africa, Juju hats hold rich cultural significance. They’re known as Tyn hats to the Bamileke tribes, one of Cameroon’s largest ethnic groups, and they’re worn by tribal chiefs and other prestigious leaders during royal ceremonies and celebrations.

It’s common to see a Juju hat paired with an elephant mask or a leopard mask, although there are occasions when they’re worn alone. They symbolize prosperity and get passed down from generation to generation.

Juju hats are handmade, and it normally takes a few days (plus a lot of care) to finish one. The base is woven from raffia and dyed feathers are attached to add color and texture. They’re also made in various sizes.

How to decorate with Juju hats

Over time, Juju hats have evolved into wall hangings used in home design. They may not look like your typical decor, but that’s one of the reasons why they’re so appealing: 

“I like that they are unexpected,” Brian said. “It’s expected to see wall art, mirrors, or family photos hanging on a wall, but the Juju hats are set apart from the usual with an exotic journey and interesting backstory – perfect for a conversation starter next time you have guests over.”

Hanging a Juju hat in your home honors Bamileke tradition while giving you a creative way to decorate. You can put one above the sofa bed, or wherever there’s empty wall space. A Juju hat can also work alone or you can show a dramatic display of several hats in different sizes and colors.

“I think for optimal visual aesthetic impact, a group of 3 to 5 Juju hats on a wall makes a nice statement,” said Brian. “Mix up the colors and scale. The hats are available in various sizes and colors – so pick a theme and have fun!”

Shop Juju hats for your home

It’s easy to see why Juju hats are beautiful additions to home decor. They certainly grabbed our attention while our Merchandising team was at High Point Market:

“We were walking through one of the accessory buildings where you see hundreds of displays, aisle after aisle, row after row. They immediately caught our eye!” Brian explained. “We loved the color, texture, and backstory. We thought the Juju hats would make a nice statement in addition to our other wall art options.”

We currently sell Juju hats in our Middleton and Framingham design centers where you can come see these unique wall hangings and pick one (or more) for your home.