Round cap-like hat, made of heavy cotton. Hat decorated with woven white and black stripes; white stripes are solid, black ones consist of alternating solid and checkered bands. Body and shoulder consist of horizontal pieces of cloth; crown made up of a small circle, stitched to interior. Horizontal band making up shoulder is pleated along the exterior and protrudes around crown.

• History Of Use

  The kufi—also known as a taqiyah or koofiyad—is a brimless cap typically worn by West African Muslim men. It has been worn for centuries and is typically accompanied by an agbádá (a flowing, wide-sleeved robe). Originally associated with Islamic practice, however the kufi is now worn by Africans of various faiths and has become part of traditional West African dress.

• Narrative

  Collected by the donor in 2019, with matching shirt 3647/1, at the Big Market on Wallace Street, in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

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• Type of Item hat
• Culture Mende
• Material cotton fibre, dye
• Measurements height 16.7 cm, width 26.8 cm (overall)

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• Previous Owner Clifford J. Pereira
• Received from Clifford J. Pereira

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• Made in Southern Province

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• Collection Date during 2019
• Ownership Date before October 23, 2023
• Acquisition Date on October 23, 2023

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• Item Classes textiles
• Condition good
• Accession Number 3647/0002