A rare type of Kuba prestige cap that has been covered in animal fur possibly from the civet cat? and further decorated with glass beads and configurations of cowrie shells around its body and crown. Given to Kuba men upon completion of an initiation rite, small dome-shaped raffia hats signalled their transformation into mature members of Kuba society. As a Kuba man moved up the social ladder, his headgear would change, with male titleholders commissioning local artisans to produce splendidly decorated prestige hats to signal his rank. The accumulation of materials on a Kuba man’s hat was a reflection of his accomplishments and upward mobility.
Estimated Period: 1930's
Ex Private Collection, Belgium
Height On Display Stand: 26cm
Dimeter: 18cm
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