Anne van Cutsem

Aiming to impose upon their subjects or impress their enemies, chiefs and warriors-whether African or from the archipelagos of the southern seas- would adorn their heads with fine feathers. Women would use flowers and leaves to embellish themselves. These were sometimes transposed into gold or silver, and even set with precious stones, to form hairpins, combs, diadems or other accessories to accentuate their beauty.