Object Label

Mangbetu men and women of high status traditionally wore hats made of fiber with a circular base and a rectangular or hexagonal top. They were decorated with feathers, usually from birds found in the high forest areas, but occasionally from domestic fowl, as in this example.

Caption

Mangbetu. Hat, early 20th century. Vegetal fiber, Guinea fowl(?) feathers, 4 1/2 x 7 7/16in. (11.4 x 18.9cm) Other: 7 7/16in. (18.9cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1931, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 31.1878.

Gallery

Not on view

Collection

Arts of Africa

Culture

Mangbetu

Title

Hat

Date

early 20th century

Medium

Vegetal fiber, Guinea fowl(?) feathers

Classification

Clothing

Dimensions

4 1/2 x 7 7/16in. (11.4 x 18.9cm) Other: 7 7/16in. (18.9cm)

Credit Line

Museum Expedition 1931, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund

Accession Number

31.1878

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