Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lega peoples, ca. mid-20th century CE. A conical ceremonial cap made from woven vegetal fibers and raffia then covered with dozens of acrylic buttons in red, white, and black hues. A chin strap extends from below, also adorned in buttons, and the surface throughout has remains of a black resin / pitch. This hat was worn by members initiated into the Bwami association, the materials denoted rank, and traditionally decorated with cowrie shells or pangolin scales. Buttons became popular in the early part of the 20th century and were worn by Bwami women of the highest rank. Size: 7" Diameter x 7" H (17.8 cm x 17.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010

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#173189

Remains of black resin / pitch across surface. Some fraying to fibers, but overall great condition, all buttons are intact and weaving is tight.