Early 20th C. Kuba or Kete Hat w/ Cowrie Shells & Beads

**Originally Listed At $200**

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bushongo-speaking peoples (Kuba or Kete), ca. early 20th century CE. A beautiful hat made of tightly woven reeds in a conical shape, layered with a dark, earthy pigment, and then covered with cowrie shells and cobalt blue and white beads in geometric patterns over its entire surface. A knob rises from the top of the hat, capped by a dried gourd, and also encircled by cowrie shells and cobalt blue and white beads. Two "ears" hang from the sides of the knob, also decorated with shells and beads - this time white and black, with some sky blue beads at the sides. The Kuba people had a Kingdom comprised of many different ethnic groups from the 16th to late 19th century with a central court at Bushoong. They are famous for their sophisticated masquerade traditions, and a hat like this one would have been worn as part of these ritual dances. Size: 6.15" W x 7.5" H (15.6 cm x 19 cm); 12.45" H (31.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; purchased in the country of origin sometime prior to 1960

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#151259
Condition Report: Rich patina on all surfaces. Everything is in nice condition with light deposits in the lower profile areas.