Hat "sawamazembe" · D. R. Congo, Lega · ID: 3037592
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.
Comparing literature
Cameron, Elisabeth L., Art of the Lega, Los Angeles 2001, p. 74, ill. 5.15 Biebuyck, Daniel P. & Nelly van den Abbeele, The Power of Headdresses, Brussels 1984, p. 85, ill. 35