This ancient piece (a cowrie hat) originates from the Lega people. They are an ethnic group found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. All Lega art is used within the context of the Bwami society for the production of most Lega artwork. This hat could be worn by initiates to Kindi, the highest level of Bwami. Originally, cowrie shells were used on such prestige items before the growing influence of the western culture in Congo. The hat was made in a basketry form with two layers of plant fiber both on the exterior and inner surface. The exterior is partly decorated with cowrie shells arranged in a beautiful pattern. The strap is decorated with cowrie shells. The cowrie shells are sewn on to the hat with coarse brown Z twist thread made from plant material. This is an old piece with visible signs of age and good usage.