Pende Chief’s Hat (Misango MaPende)

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Mid-20th century

Fiber, beads

Throughout Africa, beads have long been valued as objects of trade and as signifiers of wealth, prominence, and authority. The cultural importance of beads has established them as coveted items of royal regalia in many countries. The two appendages or horns on this headdress allude to the water buffalo, a valued beast of burden, whose power and strength are by association conferred upon the Pende Chief.