Lega Rattan Cap, Democratic Republic of Congo, Based

Lighter than it looks, and louder than it behaves.

This cap from the Lega of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, is made of hair and rattan and dates to the 20th century. Lega caps are commonly associated with Bwami, where dress carries a lot of social meaning. Large, thin brownish discs stack across the cone, many of them lifted slightly at the edges. A bunch of long, stiff fibers sweeps from the top in a fan, and a braided strap loops under the base on the stand.

About 6 inches high and 8 wide. A tiny crown with a lot of flair, best left uncovered.