Cap
Unknown Artist
early 1900s
Medium
Plant fibers, cloth, glass beads, cowrie shells, and copper alloy
Dimensions
h. 13 cm · diam. 17.8 cm
Classification
Garment
Department
African Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund
Accession Number
1994.88
About this artwork
Costumes worn by the Kuba king, members of his family, and the nobility are spectacular. Raffia cloth, leopard skin, feathers, beads, and cowrie shells are combined in magnificent ensembles used for specific ceremonial roles. Beaded caps of this sort are worn only by members of the royal family. When not in use, they are preserved in royal storehouses.