The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality
The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality explores the vital role of ceremonial headwear throughout diverse cultural customs, beliefs, and rituals. Featuring approximately 89 hats and headdresses from 43 different countries spanning five continents, and organized into five distinct categories—Cultural Identity; Power, Prestige, and Status; Ceremonies and Celebrations; Spiritual Beliefs; and Protection—this exhibition showcases these mutual themes amid a range of traditions.
Each section draws compelling parallels across a global spectrum of regions and ethnicities represented in the exhibition. The beliefs and rituals of these many cultures, and the ceremonial objects that accompany them, ultimately unite an international community. Comparatively, both the Plains Indian feathered war bonnet and the Congolese Misango MaPende crown—though from vastly different regions and civilizations—represent a position of leadership and status, and only those who have earned the right to wear one may do so. The Global Language of Headwear colorfully demonstrates that each distinct society can be viewed through a similar lens of rites of passage, heritage, and identity.
Please contact TravelingExhibitions@ArtsandArtists.org for more information.
Number of Works: 89 hats and headdresses; 2 sets of paired hats
Exhibition Components: Mounts and stands provided
Organized by: Stacey W. Miller and International Arts & Artists
Approximate size: 1,600 square feet
Security: Medium security
Participation Fee: Please inquire
Shipping: IA&A makes all arrangements; exhibitors pay outgoing shipping within the contiguous US
Booking Period: 12 weeks; Shorter and longer periods available upon request, pricing may vary
Tour: Fall 2019 – Fall 2026
Education Materials: Please inquire
Contact: TravelingExhibitions@ArtsandArtists.org
Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, Lake Charles, LA
November 5, 2019 – December 31, 2019
Whatcom Museum, Bellingham, WA
February 1, 2020 – April 26, 2020
Museum of Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
May 23, 2020 – August 16, 2020
The Citadelle Art Museum, Canadian, TX
September 12, 2020 – January 23, 2021
The Schingoethe Center of Aurora University, Aurora, IL
March 16, 2021 – May 21, 2021
Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Kalamazoo, MI
June 15, 2021 – October 24, 2021
Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, WI
December 3, 2022 – February 26, 2023
Upcountry History Museum, Greenville, SC
March 25, 2023 – June 4, 2023
Alexandria Museum of Art, Alexandria, LA
November 4, 2023 – February 17, 2024
History Museum of Mobile, AL
March 15, 2024 – June 7, 2024
Ruthmere, Elkhart, IN
July 5, 2024 – September 27, 2024
Hoyt Center for the Arts, New Castle, PA
October 25, 2024 – December 26, 2024
Phillips Museum of Art at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA
January 23, 2025 – April 24, 2025
Grants Pass Museum of Art, Grants Pass, OR
May 28, 2025 – July 25, 2025
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, San Angelo, TX
August 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay, WI
February 21, 2026 – March 22, 2026
AVAILABLE
SPRING 2026 – FALL 2026
All tour dates can be customized to meet your scheduling needs. For further availability please contact TravelingExhibitions@ArtsandArtists.org.
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