Ramayana Headdress Item Number: 1568/6 a-f from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Ramayana headdress composed of a green velvet covered crown (a) that has a bulbous base that narrows and then widens again to a smaller bulbous top with a gold finial. The crown is also ornamented with pieces of gold painted skin that have been cut into ornate geometric shapes, some of which protrude outwards, and these have silver sequins and clear glass beads sewn to them. The base of the crown has a band of multiple pointed pieces of gold painted skin ornamented with sequins and beads. Attached at the back of the headdress is a figure's face made from gold, red, black and white painted skin. The figure has a pointed head, fangs, protruding black hair at the base, and is also decorated with sequins and beads. There are black straps on the inside at the back for adjustment, and two yellow straps at the sides. Accompanying the headdress are the following: a triangular-shaped gold painted skin ornament (b) with sequins and beads and two curled ends to which is attached a gold cord; two gold painted skin ornaments (c and d) with curled ends, sequins and beads, as well as two hanging multicoloured tassels on each; and two gold painted skin ornaments (e and f) consisting of an ornate piece with sequins and beads, each attached at a perpendicular angle to a cross-shaped piece with yellow ties at each end.