Lega Ceremonial Hat

In the forests of Democratic Republic of the Congo art is created primarily for semisecret associations of men and women, such as the Bwami society of the Lega peoples. The teachings of Bwami permeate all aspects of life, guiding the moral development of the individual and governing relations with others. 
 
Such hats would only have been worn by initiates to Kindi, the highest level of Bwami. Tail hair of an elephant, a metaphor for Kindi, crowns the hat. Cowrie shells are presented as prestige items topping the entire surface of the headpiece.
 
Tribe:
Lega, Democratic Republic of Congo
 
plant fiber, cauris, animal hair
17 x 17 x 17 cm
sold without stand