Woman's Hat c. 20th century

pigment

simple decoration style

clear focal point

circular oval feature

pigment

3d printed part

bright focal point

shelf placement

3d shape

dark focal point

white focal point

ceramic

This striking "Woman's Hat" is a piece of Zulu craftwork dating from the 20th century. The hat, crafted from woven fibers, features a vibrant orange hue and a unique, wide-brimmed shape, making it a beautiful example of traditional Zulu artistry. Its size and intricate texture suggest a rich cultural context and purpose. The hat's presence at the Minneapolis Institute of Art demonstrates its artistic and historical significance.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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In the early nineteenth century, married Zulu women commonly styled their hair by shaving their heads to leave only a cone-shaped topknot at the crown and coloring it red. A wide circular headdress, known as isicholo, replaced this hairstyle in the late nineteenth century. In many areas, Zulu women continue to wear it as a sign of their married status at special events and ceremonies. The isicholo is constructed using a basketry frame, which is covered with string or yarn to produce the dense texture. The hat is then dyed with a mixture of ochre and fat. A century ago, these hats were made with grass fibers and human hair.