"Hats Off! A Salute to Africa Headwear"
1999-07-18 until 1999-10-17
National Museum of African Art
Washington, DC, USA United States of America

Among the most beautiful and creative objects of personal attire worn by African people are innumerable types of headwear fabricated from various materials. Drawing from its collection, the museum pays tribute to both the creative genius of their makers and the status and prestige of those who wear them.

Modifying or adorning the body is a means through which African peoples express their collective and individual pride, ideals, aesthetics and identity. Many African cultures throughout the continent have long considered the head the center of ones being--a source of individual and collective identity, power, intelligence and ability. Adorning the head as part of everyday attire or as a statement, therefore, is especially significant. Certain laborers, such as farmers and blacksmiths, wear special hats in recognition of their skills. Some wear hats and headdresses as emblems of their chiefly or royal status and prestige and still others wear hats to signify they have attained a certain rank as members of particular socio-political governing societies. The materials used to create headpieces include cotton, raffia and various locally grown plant fibers commonly used to make clothing. Imported cloth is used as well. The feathers and animal claws, teeth, hair and hide that decorate the hats imbue the wearer with the special power, status and strength African peoples often associate with certain animals. Cowrie shells and imported glass beads and buttons also signify wealth and prestige.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for the State of District of Columbia

Other Important Exhibitions in Washington