Wig (uyembe matota, wiyembe, or pulumba)

Description

Among the Chokwe, hats, diadems, and wigs of all sorts made in a variety of materials were once commonly worn by both men and women. Some were exclusive to religious and political titles. This wig imitates a female hairstyle in vogue until the 1960s. Made by a male craftsman, it was most typically worn by a woman at dances and other public festivals.

Provenance

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Wig (uyembe matota, wiyembe, or pulumba)

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early to mid 1900s

Accession Number

2007.1

Medium

Plant fiber, pelt, and clay

Dimensions

Overall: 12.7 x 24.8 x 27.3 cm (5 x 9 3/4 x 10 3/4 in.)

Classification

Garment

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

The Jane B. Tripp Charitable Lead Annuity Trust