Hats of Africa: From Asante to Zulu

In a sense, hats serve as a microcosm for an understanding and appreciation of African cultures. This exhibition consists of 60 traditional hats representing 20 ethnic groups and range in date from 1900 to 1970. All regions of the continent are represented, from Berber examples in the north, to Zulu examples in the south; and from Asante selections in the west to Turkana selections in the east. Predominant materials of manufacture include cloth, beadwork, basketry, feathers, hair, teeth, and leather. Some of the headgear is worn on special occasions, and includes royal crowns, prestige elder's hats and head coverings reserved for ritual use. Other examples are meant for everyday use as protection from the elements, and to fulfill societal expectations of group, gender and individual dress.