Hat "sawamazembe"
Description
of woven raffia fibers, adorned with darkened fiber strands finishing in seed capsules, at the front adorned with two warthog tusks, a giant cowrie snail and several coloured buttons, raffia chin strap stud with buttons and cowrie snails, min. dam., cracks (tusks), base;
headdresses are worn by members of the “bwami” society. This initiatory society formed an important foundation for the socio-political organization of the Lega. “Sawamazembe” is one of several types of hats owned by male initiates of the highest level of the surpreme grade (“lutumbo lwa kindi”). There is a tendency for the most expert preceptors of “kindi” to possess it. The hat may be worn daily and during initiation rituals. Its general shape imitates the women’s plaited “mazembe” coiffure.