CONGO Lega Tribe Bwami hat

Crowned with the tail hair of an elephant, this hat would have been worn by initiates to Kindi, the highest level of Bwami, which is a hierarchical association that serves as the political, social, economic, religious, and moral authority of Lega society. At the close of initiation, a new member would be presented with emblems of rank, including hats. The elephant tail, symbolizing the strength of the animal, imparts power upon the wearer.