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Wig (uyembe matota, wiyembe, or pulumba)
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
Among the Chokwe, hats, diadems, and wigs of all sorts made in a variety of materials were once commonly worn by both men and women. Some were exclusive to religious and political titles. This wig imitates a female hairstyle in vogue until the 1960s. Made by a male craftsman, it was most typically worn by a woman at dances and other public festivals.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineWig (uyembe matota, wiyembe, or pulumba), early to mid 1900s. Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo or Angola, Chokwe, early to mid 20th century. Plant fiber, pelt, and clay; overall: 12.7 x 24.8 x 27.3 cm (5 x 9 3/4 x 10 3/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Jane B. Tripp Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, 2007.1
