Chief’s Headdress Kongo peoples DR Congo/ Republic of Angola Late 19th/ early 20th century 7” high x 6” diameter (17.5 x 15 cm) Undyed raffia palm fiber, looping and knotting technique The knotted design and technique of this hat is similar to that used for Mpu, which were worn by chiefs living along the coast and the lower Congo River, into northwestern Angola, and were essential signifiers of political and spritual leadership. “Most caps are constructed in spiral form working from the center of the crown out to the edge of the hat border….” (Kreamer et al, Crowning Achievements: African Arts of Dressing the Head. Fowler Museum UCLA, 1995, pp 42-43). There is an old collection label sewn to the inside with the name and location of the owner in Belgium. Price on request
