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Hat

Date:

Late 19th/early 20th century

Artist:

Yoruba
Nigeria
Coastal West Africa

About this artwork

Dog-eared cloth caps were a popular Yoruba man’s fashion in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly among hunters and inhabitants of rural areas. Beaded versions of the dog-eared cap were made for priests, priestesses, and other high-ranking officials to wear on special occasions. This cap has a pair of all-seeing eyes on its front and back. The interlaced motif suggests Islamic influence from the north and may also refer to the four cardinal points that diviners mark on a tray during divination.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Yoruba

Title

Hat

Place

Nigeria (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1875–1925

Medium

Cloth, glass beads, and thread

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Nelson

Reference Number

1994.710

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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