Artwork Page for Man's Bwami Prestige Cap (sawamazembe)

Details / Information for Man's Bwami Prestige Cap (sawamazembe)

Man's Bwami Prestige Cap (sawamazembe)

early to mid-1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lega-style maker

Medium
Plant fiber, seashells, seeds, pods, buttons, and probably cotton
Measurements
Overall: 35.8 x 26.7 x 19.2 cm (14 1/8 x 10 1/2 x 7 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1995.211
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

This prestige cap combines local organic materials and imported machine-made materials like buttons.

Description

Among the Lega people of the eastern Democratric Republic of Congo, headgear was an important indicator of social position. Certain caps, headbands, and headdresses were the exclusive prerogative of the Bwami men's association. This headdress, called sawamazembe, was worn only by high-ranking members of this group. The hat's wig-like form represents a woman's coiffure, illustrating the blurring of gender distinctions among high-ranking Bwami members. The shell ornaments on the front suggest the moon, while buttons and a seed pod provide additional embellishment.

Man's Bwami Prestige Cap (sawamazembe)

early to mid-1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lega-style maker

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