Chief's Headdress
Kongo peoples
DR Congo/Republic of Angola
Late 19th/early 20th century
7" high x 6" diameter  ( 17.5 x 15 cm)
Undyed raffia palm fiber, looping and knotting techniques

The knotted design and technique of this hat is similar to that used for Mpu, which were worn by chief's living along the coast and lower Congo River, into northwestern Angola, and which were essential signifiers of political and spiritual leadership. " Most caps are cosntructed in spiral form working from the center of the crown out to the edge of the hat border..." (Kreamer et al, Crowning Achievements: African Arts of Dressing the Head. Fowler Museum UCLA 1995, pp 42-43)

There is an old collection label sewn to the inside with the name and location of a previous owner in Belgium.