Ekondo Hat (Botolo)
Photo credit: Matthew Hillman
The village chief’s headdress is an essential part of his public attire, and serves as the insignia of his office. The Botolo validates his position of power and associates him with ancestral authority and ritual functions. The brass disc enhances the hat’s appearance, and likely functions as a visual marker of wealth and prestige.
DETAILS
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date: late 20th century
Medium: raffia, brass, cowrie shells
Height: 10
Width: 9
