Sengele Batolo Prestige Hat Orental Region Congo

A round, tall prestige hat, called ‘botolo’, used by masters of ceremonies and rituals as well as by dignitaries of the Sengele, in western Congo. Densely woven from plant fibers into a stiff shape with four round levels, and with an embossed brass plate decorated with three rows of hallmarked knops on the front. These round metal plates are a sign of the wealth and prestige of a ‘botolo wearer’. When the master of ceremonies of the Sengele dies, his successor inherits his predecessor’s hat. This is an older piece with a natural patina.

152200