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Bwami Hat for Ngandu or Yananio Level

Lega

1 of 2

Object Label

The small pangolin (a mammal with a scaly hide that protects itself by coiling into a ball) is worn by the members of Bwami’s Ngandu and Yananio grades. When associated with hats, the pangolin symbolizes piety and respect.

Caption

Lega. Bwami Hat for Ngandu or Yananio Level, late 19th or early 20th century. Plant fiber, mollusk shells, cowrie shells, buttons, pangolin scales, and pangolin tail , 24 x 8 in. (61.0 x 20.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Designated Purchase Fund, 2011.3.2. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Collection

Gallery

Not on view

Collection

Culture

Title

Bwami Hat for Ngandu or Yananio Level

Date

late 19th or early 20th century

Geography

Possible place made: Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Possible place made: South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Medium

Plant fiber, mollusk shells, cowrie shells, buttons, pangolin scales, and pangolin tail

Classification

Dimensions

24 x 8 in. (61.0 x 20.3 cm)

Credit Line

Designated Purchase Fund

Accession Number

2011.3.2

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Artists and makers

Lega

26 works in the collection