Bright Noisy

Place:: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:: c 1975
Dimensions:: Dia 64 cm; H 31 cm
Materials & Techniques:: Feather and cowrie shell, plant material; basketry and braided
Credit:: From the Opekar / Webster Collection
ID:: T94.2177

In some African languages, the word “head” implies “leader.” Hats are used accordingly as indicators of status. In the Congo, eagle feathers trim the hats belonging to the highest official because eagles are the most powerful birds in the daytime sky. Lesser officials wear owl, parrot and guinea-fowl feathers – the latter adorn the top of this hat.

Collection Connections

Hat

Asia: South East Asia, Myanmar
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Hat

Asia: South East Asia, Indonesia, Borneo
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Hat

Asia: East Asia, China, Southern China, Yunnan
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Where else have you seen feathers used as decoration?

Were the fur, feathers, shells and pods used to make this hat available in the Congo, and if not, where did they come from?

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Bright Noisy