Headdress

Shuar (Jivaro) peoples of Amazonia incorporated iridescent, greenish-violet wing covers (elytra) from enormous beetles into many kinds of ceremonial ornaments and headdresses. The use of beetle wings and human hair was not only decorative but gave the wearer enhanced protective powers against mysterious influences.

Two types of elytra were used to create this headdress. One type with dull, greenish-reddish violet wings comes from Euchroma gigantea, the largest Buprestid (jewel beetle) measuring over 2 1/2 inches in length. The second type, Chrysophora chrysoclora, is a member of the Scarab family with wings that are densely punctured so that the color appears to be a frosty, iridescent greenish-gold. The elytra curl under slightly, so that when tightly strung together a cylindrical curl of wings is formed, as seen in this headdress.