Accession Number
1985/2.72

Title
Titleholder's hat

Artist(s)
Kuba

Artist Nationality
Kuba (Democratic Republic of Congo style)

Object Creation Date
19th century

Medium & Support
natural fiber

Dimensions
1 3/4 in x 4 3/4 in x 4 3/4 in (4.5 cm x 12 cm x 12 cm);1 3/4 in x 4 3/4 in x 4 3/4 in (4.5 cm x 12 cm x 12 cm)

Credit Line
Museum purchase

Subject matter
Kuba hats often serve as symbols of prestige. Cowrie shells, beads and brass-encrusted headgear embroidered in geometric patterns are commonly worn by royalty or royal designates for ceremonial occasions. The geometric patterns created from the wavy lines resemble triangular designs similar to the geometric patterns found on Kuba textile, basketry, sculpture, and female body scarifications.

Physical Description
A dome-shaped cap with alternating patterns of straight and wavy linear designs. Between the wavy linear designs are spaces allowing one to see through the cap. 

Primary Object Classification
Costume and Costume Accessories

Primary Object Type
hat

Collection Area
African

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
hats
headgear
prestige
royalty (nobility)