Kuba Rattan Hat, Democratic Republic of Congo, Based

Concentric rings, then a star of tiny lines, then a fringe that never behaves.

This rattan hat comes from the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Kuba textile and plaited work is widely known for its dense, precise patterning, and caps like this were commonly worn by men of standing. The crown spirals out from a small red dot, the dark pattern forming a web of angles over the tan ground. The lobed brim carries a soft fringe, and one fibre curls free at the top.

About 8 inches high on its stand. A small headpiece that does a great deal with a lot of string.