Object Details
- Label Text
- In many African societies, hats publicly mark status in a variety of ways. For the Lega, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, hats signify an initiate's rank in titled associations such as the Bwami, an adult association that serves as Lega society's political, social, economic, religious and moral authority. 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.
- Each of the many different styles of Bwami hats, all of which convey meanings specific to their rank and its associated knowledge. The sawamazembe hat shown here is worn by men who have become kindi, the highest male grade of the Bwami association. Though worn by men, the hat imitates a woman's elaborate hairstyle, indicating the blurring of gender boundaries that occurs in the highest ranks of Bwami.
- Description
- Hat composed of shoulder length strands of twisted dark colored plant fibers that are attached to a basketry type helmet that fits snugly on the head. At the front on top, four egg shaped (mussel) shells are attached with two white and two red buttons between them. A seed pod is attached and suspended between the two shells nearest the front. A chin strap is made of plant fiber and decorated with red and white buttons.
- Provenance
- Old Belgian colonial collection, before 1950
- Jacques Hautelet, La Jolla, California, -- to 1999
- 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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Lega artist
- Date
- Early to mid-20th century
- Credit Line
- Museum purchase
- Medium
- Plant fiber, shells, buttons, seed pod
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 33 x 20.6 x 23.2 cm (13 x 8 1/8 x 9 1/8 in.)
- Type
- Textile and Fiber Arts
