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Man's Bwami Prestige Cap (sawamazembe)
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
Among the Lega people of the eastern Democratric Republic of Congo, headgear was an important indicator of social position. Certain caps, headbands, and headdresses were the exclusive prerogative of the Bwami men's association. This headdress, called sawamazembe , was worn only by high-ranking members of this group. The hat's wig-like form represents a woman's coiffure, illustrating the blurring of gender distinctions among high-ranking Bwami members. The shell ornaments on the front suggest the moon, while buttons and a seed pod provide additional embellishment.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineMan's Bwami Prestige Cap (sawamazembe), early to mid-1900s. Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lega-style maker. Plant fiber, seashells, seeds, pods, buttons, and probably cotton; overall: 35.8 x 26.7 x 19.2 cm (14 1/8 x 10 1/2 x 7 9/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, John L. Severance Fund, 1995.211
