Wall Candy: Funky Feathered African Jujus

You may think they are becoming too trendy or are just a bit silly, but I am drawn to the brightly colored juju hats I've seen hanging on walls in shelter magazines and blogs lately. What a fun way to add texture, color and simple joy to a room.

I first discovered these elaborate feather West African headdresses on a gorgeous room featured in From the Right Bank (Image 2). It's just a matter of time before they become mass marketed. Even so, I think I may have to shell out some money (and they're not cheap) and buy one.

Shown Above:
1. Odi et Amo — How stunning is this room? The Rococo consoles, the weathered leather pouf, vintage orange chair and the vibrant, rich colors make for a dramatic scene. The juju adds to the theatre, drawing attention to the high ceilings and offsetting the wonderfully deep green wall color.
2. From the Right Bank via Design Decor Staging — This room has always been bookmarked as one of my all-time favorites; the epitome of eclectic design. The juju brings such a pretty lightness to the decor.
3. Table Tonic via Little Lovables — This bright eclectic room would be very neutral without the bright yellow juju above the mantelpiece.
4. Living Etc via Odi et Amo.
5. Design Decor Staging — Three bright red jujus at the end of an imposing, ancient looking corridor is pretty over the top, like the buttons on a clown costume!

Jujus can be purchased at African House on Etsy, Laviva Home, Eastern Art Arcade, or African Art.

If you want to make your own, check out the wool Juju tutorial.

Images: As credited above.

Comments (14)

I love them too...but not the price tag!

I think they're really nice, but a bit too expensive if you're just going for trendy. If you truly love them, go for it.

I just love the color combos! Especially the first image of the green wall and the fuschia! Intense!!!

I'm trying to understand the historical background of these hats, because they smack of cultural appropriation to me. Like folks who have traditional African masks (or more likely, faux traditional African masks) on their walls without appreciation or awareness of the culture that created them.

I agree with Laura.... These hats were not made for decoration.

i've loved these for years. i'm from nigeria originally, but we don't make these... i don't know much about them culturally, but would love to!

The green walls are totally to die for, but what's with the pink hat/blob-in-rug with the red chair? Kind of wild, but the green/white walls are wonderful.

I'm sure you can find a DIY tutorial somewhere.

Indeed! The very title of this post ("Wall Candy") immediately evacuates all deeper signification that these religious objects may have. The history of Western interior design is fraught with colonial imperialism (hello, Chinoiserie!). It seems high time that designers read up on some modern cultural theory.

Ironically, Western "cultural appropriation" is a major source of income for many developing countries. Owning tribal art reproductions may be crass, but it's economically helpful.

They are from Cameroon Africa and are some type of celebration head gear worn when they dance. Since they are feathers, it may be a while before they are mass produced. $350.00 is out of my price range!

"Owning tribal art reproductions may be crass..."

get over yourself.

Thanks for mentioning my Faux Juju Hat Tutorial!! And for those that are looking, I also sell the wool versions on my Etsy site http://www.etsy.com/shop/flutterflutterstudio

Notrelevant: For those of us who are people of color, the misappropriation of tribal art and other cultural symbols is a major issue for several reasons. Ceremonial items like juju hats and kachina figures were never intended to be used as decorative items outside of their specific, original contexts. Your snarky response illustrates why these concerns are valid.