Artwork Page for Hat (laket)

Details / Information for Hat (laket)

Hat (laket)

early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba-style maker

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Medium
Raffia and dye
Measurements
Pin: 21.6 cm (8 1/2 in.); Width at bottom: 11.4 x 15.9 cm (4 1/2 x 6 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Educational Purchase Fund 1915.467
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Titled Kuba men and prominent women wear the laket, a small ornate dome-shaped hat. An essential fashion item of adult men in good social standing, it focuses special attention on the head as a significant marker of individual identity, ethnic affiliation, status, and role in society. This prestige object is secured on the crown of the head with a nine-and-a-half-inch metal pin that pierces through the hat onto a clump of hair. This laket is made from raffia palm fiber coiled into threads and woven in different patterns. There are two examples of the laket: the plain type with the flat top, and the more elaborate type called the laket mishiing.
A woven raffia garment forms a tapered, flat-topped cone of light tan. Coiled horizontal rows create a ribbed texture leading down to four large, rounded arches that define a scalloped base trimmed in dark brown. A subtle diamond motif is integrated into the weave at the center front. The brim flares outward at four distinct corners, pointing forward and back. The object sits centered within a neutral, gray gradient field.

Hat (laket)

early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba-style maker

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