Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0574-0015   CAS 0574-0015; Hat
Category Accessories/Ornaments; Bead & Leatherwork
Object Name Hat
Culture Kuba
Global Region Sub-Saharan Africa
Country Congo (Zaire)
State/Prov./Dist. Kasai Province
County
Other Geographic Data Near Bulape
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. 1970s
Collection Name N/A
Materials Palm or grass fiber; Glass beads; Cowrie (Cypraeidae) shells
Description Conical shaped hat with an indeterminate under structure covered on exterior with finely woven mat which is folded under at rim and cut to line interior of hat; Cylindrical knob extends upward on crown and 3 long rectangular flaps hang down from it; Exterior of hat is divided into two bands, each of which is subdivided into panels that are alternately decorated with cowrie shells or geometric patterns in blue and white cut glass beads; Pendant flaps on crown are also decorated in blue and white cut glass beads; Single row of alternating red and white beads encircles crown, neck, and rim of hat; Hats of this style and decorated with beads and shells indicate the high status of the person wearing it.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 16.9, Max Diam = 17.8