Fiber, shell, pig tusk, glass beads, pigment, seed pod
Dimensions:
H x W: 40 x 16.7 cm (15 3/4 x 6 9/16 in.)
Type:
Textile and Fiber Arts
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Early to mid-20th century
Label Text:
In many African societies, hats publicly mark status in a variety of ways. For the Lega peoples in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, hats signify an initiate's rank in a titled association called Bwami, an adult association that serves as the political, social, economic, religious and moral authority of Lega society. Bwami is divided into a hierarchy of five grades for men and three for women. At each level, members of that and higher grades school candidates in the knowledge and wisdom appropriate for that particular level. At the close of initiation, new members are presented with their insignias, including hats.
Despite the many different styles of Bwami hats, each represents a particular level and grade in the Bwami structure. Further, the objects affixed to these hats--such as mussel and cowrie shells, beads, buttons, feathers, pangolin scales, teeth and, as seen in this example, warthog tusks--function as metaphors that communicate various aspects of the Bwami moral code. They also act as insignia for different grades of Bwami.
Description:
Woven fiber hat with overall red pigment and chin strap covered in cowrie shells. A pig tusk projects from the top of the hat, with a base surrounded by yellow, green and red tubular glass beads. Cowrie and polished bi-valve shells encircle the hat and a seed pod is suspended from the front of the hat.
Provenance:
Jacques Hautelet, La Jolla, California, -- to 1996
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/
