Title holder's headdress or Nyim's crown

Nameheaddress

CultureBushong, Kuba

Datelate 19th century - early 20th century

Place madeDemocratic Republic of the Congo, Africa

Mediumraffia, beads, seeds, fur, elephant hair, vine

DimensionsOverall: 17 11/16 x 8 1/4 in. (45 x 21 cm)

Credit LineGift of Sandy and Diane Besser

Object numberFA.2003.37.38

DescriptionCap with chin strap, side pieces and nose cover. Crown topped with triangular piece with seeds and shells surrounded by shells in floral pattern and blue and white bead tassels. Just below crown, encircled by a vine. Back of the head attached roll covered by cowry, neck covering beaded in white, blue and yellow geometric. Chin strap decorated with cowry and glass beads. Nose piece of fur, cowry and elephant hair.