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Catalog Data

Maker:
Hausa artist  Search this
Medium:
Cotton
Dimensions:
H x W x D: 19.1 x 24.1 x 24.1 cm (7 1/2 x 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 in.)
Type:
Textile and Fiber Arts
Geography:
Nigeria
Date:
Early to mid-20th century
Label Text:
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 They were originally made of white cloth decorated with white thread.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:
Tall, cylindrical cotton hat with rows of linear stitching.
Provenance:
Jacob A. Reis, DD, and Eleanor N. Reis, RN, collected near Bafia mission station, Cameroon, 1908-1948
Province and Eleanor Reis Henry, Vienna, Virginia, -- to 1984
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/
Topic:
Adornment  Search this
Male use  Search this
male  Search this
Credit Line:
Gift from the collection of Jacob A. Reis, DD, and Eleanor N. Reis, R.N.
Object number:
84-17-3
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source:
National Museum of African Art
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7ade70ec1-9d46-416c-bc3c-f1f9e439cdbb
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmafa_84-17-3