Description
Costumes worn by the Kuba king, members of his family, and the nobility are spectacular. Raffia cloth, leopard skin, feathers, beads, and cowrie shells are combined in magnificent ensembles used for specific ceremonial roles. Beaded caps of this sort are worn only by members of the royal family. When not in use, they are preserved in royal storehouses.
Provenance
(Jacques Hautelet, La Jolla, CA)
Accession Number
1994.88
Medium
Plant fibers, cloth, glass beads, cowrie shells, and copper alloy
Dimensions
Diameter: 17.8 cm (7 in.); Overall: 13 cm (5 1/8 in.)
Classification
Garment
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund