Mangbetu Woven Wicker Canopy Rain Hat

Large canopy hats like this were worn by Mangbetu and Lugbara mothers when carrying a small child on their backs. The shape of the hat was such that the baby was protected from the rain (and perhaps sun) when on their mother’s backs.

The knob on top mirrors the hairknot worn by Mangbetu women.

The hat is made from woven wicker, which has been blackened and covered with a resin. It has a dark hue.

This actual example is illustrated in Ginzberg (2000, p. 239, full page).

The hat is accompanied by an excellent custom-made black metal display stand. It is sculptural, particularly when mounted on the stand – almost as if a piece of contemporary art.

The hat was in the Marc Ginzburg Collection (and as mentioned, published in a book on that collection). Later it was acquired by Sheikh Saud bin Muhammed Al Thani of Qatar, a profligate collector. The Sheikh passed away in 2014.

 

Above: a Mangbetu mother with the characteristic hairstyle as mirror on the top of the hat here.