beaded crown; shells and small and large beads; three projections along top; front and sides beaded; center back of hat is plain except along edges; top section with knobs is an added three-dimensional section; lined; beads are red, white, black, yellow and olive

Hat, Date Unknown

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On View in Gallery 236expand_more

The Kuba Kingdom, a pre-colonial kingdom that still exists in the modern state of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a conglomerate of more than a dozen ethnic groups. This cultural diversity may explain the great variety of Kuba headdresses. This hat is embellished with cowrie shells from the Indian Ocean (about 1,500 miles away) and colorful glass beads,both obtained through trade. The geometric deign is typical of Kuba art, and can also be seen here on the embroidered ceremonial skirts nearby.

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Details
Title
Hat
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2011.90.1
Curator Approved

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beaded crown; shells and small and large beads; three projections along top; front and sides beaded; center back of hat is plain except along edges; top section with knobs is an added three-dimensional section; lined; beads are red, white, black, yellow and olive