Vintage, Lega Ceremonial Hat, Headress with Mussel Shells, Buttons

Description

Vintage ceremonial hat,
headress, from the Lega peoples of the Democractic Republic of the Congo, made of a woven basketry base, with strands of fiber representing a woman’s hairstyle, and decorated with buttons and mussel shells. 5 1/2” H,  6 1/4” X
5 3/4” at bottom of woven base. Nice piece with much meaning attached to it, and good age shown.
According to research, Lega hats, masks and figures are used as symbols of the owner's rank within the Bwami society, thus signaling individual wealth and achievement, or to identify a political, leadership, or rellgious position or both men and women. The objects represent moral and social values, and are used during initiation rites. The Bwami works of art are often associated with proverbs, and these proverbs in conjuction with dance, poetry, and song give wisdom to members of the society. Beauty, knowledge and power are intertwined. The materials used in the hats correspond to the wearer’s rank, and the mussel shell is said to be one of the higher ranks in the Bwani society, the elephant and the use of the elephant tail being the highest.
More information can be found in an article on Lega hats by Elizabeth Cameron in “Crowning Achievements-African Arts of Dressing”, by Arnold and Kreamer”.
_gsrx_vers_795 (GS 7.0.7 (795))