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BaKuba Beaded Hat This is an example of a richly ornamented prestige hat, which is worn by a very high-ranking titleholder in the royal court of the Bushoong. The Bushoong kingdom is located between the Sankaru and Kasai rivers in the Democratic republic of Congo and is the cultural center of the various BaKuba groups. This hat is similar in form to the type identified as kupash by Joseph Cornet in Art Royal Kuba, his study of BaKuba material culture. Headdresses such as this were reserved for the royal family. A professional hat maker of the royal court constructed the hat of thick coils of raffia palm fiber. Dark blue cotton cloth covers the entire surface and is used as the foundation for the attachment of chevron designs in black and white glass beads and cowrie shells. The brass hatpin inserted in this object is reserved for personages of the highest rank. Its long elegant shape is scored at the end and terminates in a tiny bell. It measures 4.5 in. high and 7 in. across. This beautiful object is an important example of ceremonial dress from the Bushoong. $3,200. |