Kuba Rattan Hat, Democratic Republic of Congo, Based

Blue zigzags on straw gold, and a brim like a clover leaf.

Kuba weavers of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, plaited this rattan hat in the 20th century. Kuba peoples are famous for geometric pattern in cloth and fibre, and hats of this kind were often reserved for important moments. Here a band of blue-green zigzags forms a many-pointed star radiating from the crown. The edge is lobed in three soft curves and finished with a thin blue binding. The tan fibre is crisp, with a slight ripple in the brim.

About 9 inches wide. Lively, graphic, and an easy way to rescue a quiet shelf.