Lega. Bwami Hat for Ngandu or Yananio Level, late 19th or early 20th century. Plant fiber, mollusk shells, cowrie shells, buttons, pangolin scales, and pangolin tail , 24 x 8 in. (61.0 x 20.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Designated Purchase Fund, 2011.3.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2011.3.2_front_PS6.jpg)
Lega. Bwami Hat for Ngandu or Yananio Level, late 19th or early 20th century. Plant fiber, mollusk shells, cowrie shells, buttons, pangolin scales, and pangolin tail , 24 x 8 in. (61.0 x 20.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Designated Purchase Fund, 2011.3.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2011.3.2_back_PS6.jpg)
Bwami Hat for Ngandu or Yananio Level
Arts of Africa
The small pangolin (a mammal with a scaly hide that protects itself by coiling into a ball) is worn by the members of Bwami’s Ngandu and Yananio grades. When associated with hats, the pangolin symbolizes piety and respect.
CULTURE
Lega
MEDIUM
Plant fiber, mollusk shells, cowrie shells, buttons, pangolin scales, and pangolin tail
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS
- Possible place made: Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Possible place made: South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
DATES
late 19th or early 20th century
DIMENSIONS
24 x 8 in. (61.0 x 20.3 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Arts of Africa
ACCESSION NUMBER
2011.3.2
CREDIT LINE
Designated Purchase Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Hat consisting of crossed plant stems that are woven together with plant material (possibly grasses or leaves). The inner structure has the stems placed in a diagonal swirling pattern while the outer structure is horizontal. This double layer makes for a solid cone form on to which is attached scales and the entire tail from a pangolin. The pangolin tail and scales appear to have been sewn on to the hat through round holes. Additionally attached to the substructure of the hat are two mussel or oyster shells and plastic buttons (white, red and blue). The strap is made from braided vegetable fiber decorated with buttons and conch shells. All the elements are sewn on with vegetable fiber. The shells and buttons are caked with a deep brown, black resinous material.
Condition: good.
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Lega. Bwami Hat for Ngandu or Yananio Level, late 19th or early 20th century. Plant fiber, mollusk shells, cowrie shells, buttons, pangolin scales, and pangolin tail
, 24 x 8 in. (61.0 x 20.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Designated Purchase Fund, 2011.3.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2011.3.2_front_PS6.jpg)
IMAGE
front, 2011.3.2_front_PS6.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2011
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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