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Hat (Kalyeem)
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Kuba men (and some women) show their title and status with hats and hat accessories. The male owner of this heavily beaded and shell-covered hat (<em>kalyeem</em>) had a senior title. A simple coiled basketry hat forms its foundation (similar to 1915.465). Fabric panels stitched with zig-zagging white and blue beads edged in cowries hang from the top. White bead strands with cowrie shells flow downward, pushed out over the forehead by a large brim. Technically and aesthetically, beaded Kuba hats and masks have much in common; artists specializing in beading techniques had the skills to make both, using imported beads and shells.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Kuba-style maker |
|---|---|
| Date | possibly early 1900s |
| Culture / Origin | Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba-style maker |
| Medium | Raffia, glass beads, cowrie shells, cloth (including wool), thread, and copper alloy |
| Dimensions | Overall: 29 x 23 x 23 cm (11 7/16 x 9 1/16 x 9 1/16 in.) |
| Department | African Art |
| Type | Garment |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
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