These woven caps display the rank of a man in the Bwami society.

1: ‘Mukuba’ Lega hat for men in the Bwami society (for a more detailed explanation cf. cat. no. 179). Densely covered on the outside with European mother of pearl buttons and 3 rows of black buttons. Sewn on with plant fibres. With the remains of hair from an elephant’s tail at the top. This demonstrates that this hat was once owned by a high-ranking member of the Bwami society because the elephant is the most important game animal for the Lega. At the bottom, the hat has a chin strap, which is also decorated with mother of pearl buttons.
Height: 18 cm; diameter: 20.5 cm (below).

2: ‘Mukuba’ Lega hat for men in the Bwami society (for a more detailed explanation cf. cat. no. 179). Decorated on the outside with rows of pierced cowrie shells (a sign of wealth) and the shells of freshwater mussels to form four vertical rows. Sewn on with plant fibres. With an undecorated chin strap. A hat owned by a high-ranking member of the Bwami society.
Height: 17 cm; diameter: c. 20 cm (below).
Both objects display good, old traces of wear and patina: First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: South African private collection.

Lit.: ‘L’art des Lega’, catalogue Musée du Quai Branly Paris, ill. 20, 51, 54, 55, 61.