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Mar 1, 2004
Oct 30, 2009
Oct 30, 2009
Oct 30, 2009
Man's Bwami Prestige Cap (sawamazembe)
Man's Bwami Prestige Cap (sawamazembe)
early to mid-1900s
Plant fiber, seashells, seeds, pods, buttons, and probably cotton
Overall: 35.8 x 26.7 x 19.2 cm (14 1/8 x 10 1/2 x 7 9/16 in.)
John L. Severance Fund 1995.211
Location
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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.
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