Mbukushi Wig (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

ca. 1970
Kavango
Animal hide, leather, fiber, ocher, glass and plastic beads
Place Made,Namibia,Okavango
Overall: 25 1/2 in. (64.8 cm)
2013.733
Not on view
The Mbukushu people form part of the broader Kavango cultural cluster located along the Okavango River in Namibia, Botswana, and Angola. In the past, Kavango women wore their hair long and thinly braided, with a large crest braid and ornamented with beads. Recently, they turned to creating wig-type headdresses that imitate their distinctive hairstyles. They don the wigs for special occasions, otherwise enjoying the comfort of shorter hair. The owner shows individuality by styling their headdress with beads.
Gift of William D. Roth and Norma Canelas Roth
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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