Woman's Headdress

African, Unknown

Part of the Living in Style Exhibit

Year: ca. 1955

Style: Zulu

Origin: South Africa

Medium: grass basketry frame, red ochre, fat, fiber

Size: 8 x 17 x 17 in.

Accession Number: 2000.51

Gift of William D. and Norma Canelas Roth

This hat is called an isicholo, which is the Zulu word for "married woman's headdress." These hats were traditionally worn to indicate a woman's marital status, especially at important social and cultural events.