Raffia Hat

A conical hat, made from coiled natural fibre. It has a wide brim, decorated with dark woven stripes and four strips of leather leading from a leather button at the top point, down to the rim. The Fula hat was donated to the British Museum alongside a gown and stringed instrument, all collected by Thomas Whitfield. Thomas Whitfield was in Sierra Leone between 1828 and the late 1850s, and is more commonly associated with his collections of flora and fauna.

Related Videos

Further Information

  • Type: Costume, dress
  • Object: Raffia Hat
  • Materials: Vegetable, organic fibre, Leather, animal skin
  • Culture Group: Fula
  • Dimensions: 250mm [H] x 330mm [D]
  • Production Date: Pre 1830
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Thomas Whitfield
  • Museum: British Museum
  • Accession Number: BM:Af.1830.1211.1

Related Objects

Raffia Hat

Costume, dress

Decorated Cap

Costume, dress

Bambada Cap

Costume, dress, Weapons, armour

Ronko Shirt

Costume, dress, Weapons, armour