Bwami Prestige Cap (Mukuba or Nkumbu)

Cleveland Museum of Art

The Bwami Prestige Cap (Mukuba or Nkumbu) by an African artist, possibly from the Lega or related ethnic group, features a white base adorned with numerous small, white cowry shells arranged in rows and separated by thin, red strings. A long, dark-brown, curved piece of woven material, likely fibers or plant material, emerges from the top and curves to the left. The cap has a rounded top and a narrow band that fits around the head, from which two braided brown cords with white and red beads hang down. The background is a gradient gray.