Lega Rattan Cap, Democratic Republic of Congo, Based

Buttons, beads and one long tail feather. Nobody dressed this quietly.

Lega artisans of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this cap from hair and rattan in the 20th century. Lega caps covered with shell or button decoration are commonly associated with initiation and status in the Bwami association. The cap rises to a peak and is covered with round buttons laid in overlapping rows, rimmed in black beads with a yellow band. A long dark plume or fiber sweeps upward from the crown, and a braided strap curls down on one side. The buttons are reddish brown and ivory.

About 6.8 inches tall. It is a lot of hat.