Woman's hat (isicholo)
mid 20th-century
Object PlaceSouth Africa
Medium/TechniqueCotton, human hair, red ochre over grass-fiber basketry frame
DimensionsOverall: 10.2 x 46.4 cm (4 x 18 1/4 in.)
Credit LineAnonymous gift
Accession number2009.5342
On View
Not on viewClassificationsTextiles
DescriptionAmongst many African communities, headwear and hairstyles are important signifiers of social, religious, and political status that can represent deeply held cultural beliefs. Many Zulu women wear this type of flared hat (isicholo), which was traditionally reserved for married women. Today, this type of hat has been adopted as part of "traditional" Zulu dress ensembles and is worn almost exclusively during ceremonial events and pageants.
ProvenanceBetween 1980s and 1990s, acquired in Paris by anonymous donors; 2009, anonymous gift to the MFA. (Accession date: January 20, 2010)
early 20th century
mid 20th-century
mid 20th century
19th–20th century