Hausa men's hats are made of narrow-strip cloth that may be decorated with elaborate embroidery. The Hausa are credited with introducing this form of embroidered hat to Nigeria and for disseminating it widely within West Africa. The embroidered patterns that decorate Hausa hats are commonly curvilinear in design and Islamic in inspiration. They were originally made of white cloth decorated with white thread. Changes in embroidery practices suggest a move from plain to more elaborate design, probably reflecting a reinterpretation of Islamic rules against ostentation. Design changes have included the introduction of colored thread and, while not seen on this hat, the use of letters or representations of buildings, vehicles or animals. Indeed, embroidery designs also may refer directly to historical or topical events, making them a dynamic and responsive art form.
Description:
Lined cotton flat topped hat densely embroidered with colored threads in blue, white, green, yellow and red in arch, triangle and geometric patterns.
Provenance:
Mrs. Myron Fincher, Arlington, Virginia, -- to 1975
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
