Lega Pangolin Hat (CBDL-011)

This ancient piece (a pangolin 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. A pangolin is a small mammal with a scaly hide that protects itself by coiling into a ball. Pangolin hats were worn by the members of Bwami’s Ngandu and Yananio grades. Pangolin hats symbolized piety and respect.

The hat was made in a solid cone form with crossed plant fiber woven together with plant material probably grass both on the outer and inner surface. On the solid cone form,  is attached scales and the entire tail from a pangolin. The scales and tail appear to have been sewn on to the hat through round holes. The strap is made from braided vegetable fiber decorated with cowrie shells. This is an old piece with visible signs of age and good usage.