Hat

Object Details

Hausa artist

Label Text

Hausa men's hats are made of narrow-strip cloth that may be decorated with elaborate embroidery. The Hausa are credited with introducing this form of embroidered hat to Nigeria and for disseminating it widely within West Africa. The embroidered patterns that decorate Hausa hats are commonly curvilinear in design and Islamic in inspiration. They were originally made of white cloth decorated with white thread. Changes in embroidery practices suggest a move from plain to more elaborate design, probably reflecting a reinterpretation of Islamic rules against ostentation. Design changes have included the introduction of colored thread and, while not seen on this hat, the use of letters or representations of buildings, vehicles and animals. Indeed, embroidery designs also may refer directly to historical or topical events, making them a dynamic and responsive art form.

Description

Yellow cotton cloth with blue embroidered geometric patterns forming a curved top hat.

Provenance

Ambassador Barbara Watson, diplomatic gifts received, 1966 to 1980

Grace Watson, Washington, D.C., -- to 1999

Content Statement

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Credit Line

Gift of Grace Watson

Mid-late 20th century

Object number

2000-18-2

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Textile and Fiber Arts

Medium

Cotton

Dimensions

H x W x D: 14.1 x 17.3 x 17.3 cm (5 9/16 x 6 13/16 x 6 13/16 in.)

Geography

Nigeria

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

Object Name

fula

hula

National Museum of African Art

Topic

Adornment

Male use

male

Record ID

nmafa_2000-18-2

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7da06c024-55a3-4c68-b68e-dc883f888b17