This ancient piece (a button hat) originates from the Lega people. They are an ethnic group found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. All Lega art is used within the context of the Bwami society for the production of most Lega artwork. This hat could be worn by initiates to Kindi, the highest level of Bwami. Imported buttons began to replace cowrie shells on such prestige items with the growing influence of the western culture in Congo. This piece is unique, it has both pangolin shells and buttons.
The hat was made in a basketry form with two layers of plant fiber both on the exterior and inner surface. The exterior is covered with glass or plastic buttons of different colors arranged in a beautiful pattern. Pangolin shells covering the upper exterior of the piece. The strap is decorated with brown and black buttons. The buttons are sewn on to the hat with coarse brown Z twist thread made from plant material. Sewn on to the crown of the hat is a bundle of elephant tail hair a metaphor for Kindi. This is an old piece with visible signs of age and good usage.
- Material: Plant fiber, buttons, pangolin shells and, elephant tail hair
- Age:approx 55-75 yrs
- Origin: Democratic Republic Of Congo
- Condition: Good
- SKU: CBDL-012
- Weight: 0.3 kg
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 18 x 8 cm