Chief's Headdress, Montolo
Nkundu People, D.R.Congo
Late 19th century
Woven raffia, natural color
11" high x 8" diamater  ( 27 x 20 cm)

These rare hats were feautured in the inauguration of a new chief (nkumu) among the Nkundu people.
With its rich honey color patina, the sophisticated simplicity of design exemplies the Congo aesthetic in woven art.  

Provenance: Ambre-Congo Gallery, Brussels, from a Belgian colonial are collection.