Beaded Hat

A Kupash man's hat. Worn by royals. Source: Joseph Cornet, Art Royal Kuba Milan: Grfica Sipiel Milano, 1982. pg 216. This hat has a rare striking design; 6 triangular sections of medium brown weave, each with rows of beads aligned as V-form rows alternating black with white forming striking chevron and concentric starburst kaleidoscopic pattern; topped with embossed copper disc surrounded by blue and yellow beads and 6 cowries arranged with points of chevron bands.