Képi Chasseurs d'Afrique

The French kepi of the Chasseurs d'Afrique is an iconic military headgear closely linked to the history of the French light cavalry in North Africa.

Characteristics of the Kepi

The specific design of the kepi for the Chasseurs d'Afrique (often referred to as the "blue cavalry") has seen several different models over the years:

• Color: The most well-known design consists of a light blue (bleu ciel) top (turban and calotte).
• Decoration: Depending on the rank, decorations were applied. For officers, these were often silver or gold braid (gallons).
• Insignia: The front features a grenade with flames, the symbol of the Chasseurs.
• Shape: Early models (such as the casquette d'Afrique from 1833) were high and slightly conical to better withstand the heat of North Africa. Later, the kepi became lower and stiffer, such as the well-known 1873 model.

Historical Context

• Origin: The kepi evolved in Algeria in the 1830s from the impractical, heavy shako. The Chasseurs d'Afrique were one of the first units to adopt this lighter "casquette d'Afrique."
• Campaign Equipment: During active service in the desert, the kepi was often covered with a white cover (couvre-kepi) with a neck flap to protect the soldiers from the bright sun.
• Symbolism: The Chasseurs d'Afrique were known as the "Hunters of Africa" ​​and were the mounted counterpart to the famous Zouaves. Their uniform, including the characteristic kepi, became a symbol of the French colonial presence.

Size: 56