Hat

Date1800-1850

Where made worldCongo, Africa

MediumRaffia

DimensionsObject/Work: 160 x 120 mm

ClassificationsCostume

Terms

Object numberTN03550

DescriptionTitleholder's hat. Worn by men who had been initiated into the mature elite of Kuba society. The domed cap was worn on the crown of the head and held in place by a pin. The decoration on these hats represented the wearer's social standing. Each time a titleholder gained more experience and authority, he would commission craftsmen to decorate his hat with beads, shells, metal ornaments, feathers and animal hair.

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