Bidspirit auction | GROUP OF MANGBETU HATS

GROUP OF MANGBETU HATS - Ca. 19th - early 20th century AD. A collection of five finely woven hats from the Mangbetu people, executed in plant fibres. The largest example is decorated with bold geometric motifs in black and red, characteristic of Mangbetu basketry design, while others display tighter plain or chequered plaiting. They often functioned as indicators of status within the community, worn on ceremonial occasions.For similar see: Pitt River Museum, 1st floor.Size: 20-100mm x 65-180mm; Weight: 105gProvenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Congo Gallery, 07 April 2010; Ex. Michael Graham Stewart.