Cleveland Museum of Art

Cap

Date

early 1900s

Medium

Plant fibers, cloth, glass beads, cowrie shells, and copper alloy

Culture

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba-style maker

Department

African Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Costumes worn by the Kuba king, members of his family, and the nobility are spectacular. Raffia cloth, leopard skin, feathers, beads, and cowrie shells are combined in magnificent ensembles used for specific ceremonial roles. Beaded caps of this sort are worn only by members of the royal family. When not in use, they are preserved in royal storehouses.

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