1: ‘Mukuba’ Lega hat (for a more detailed explanation cf. cat. no. 179), woven from plant fibres with a chin strap of the same material. The outside is set with densely arranged, overlapping rows of European buttons in light brown and white, as well as mother of pearl buttons. Sewn on with plant fibres. A bundle of eleven long black elephant hairs (from the tail of an elephant) rise out of a central projection. This is a clear sign that this ‘mukuba’ hat was worn by a top-ranking member (‘kindi’) of the Bwami society. This is because the elephant was the most important wild animal for the Lega, and only men in the highest rank of the Bwami were entitled to wear objects made from parts of the elephant (ivory, hair, etc.). An interesting piece with good, old usage patina on the inside.
Height: 23 cm; diameter: 17 cm x 19 cm (below). First half of the 20th century.

2: ‘Mukuba’ Lega hat, woven from plant fibres. With a high, semicircular crest and a chin strap in the same material. The outside is set with tight rows of European buttons in light brown and black and mother of pearl buttons. Sewn on with plant fibres. A ‘mukuba’ hat for a high-ranking member of the Bwami society. With very old, shiny black usage patina on the inside.
Height: 27 cm; diameter: 16 cm x 19 cm (below).First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: Belgian private collection.

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