Ekondo Hat (Botolo)

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Late 20th century

Raffia, brass, cowrie shells

The village chief’s headdress is an essential part of his public attire, and serves as the insignia of his office. The Botolo validates his position of power and associates him with ancestral authority and ritual functions. The brass disc enhances the hat’s appearance, and likely functions as a visual marker of wealth and prestige.