Hat (Botolo) with one copper disc (Losanja)

late 19th century

Broadcasting authority, botolo hats were placed on the head of a new chief as a validation of their right to rule. To prepare for public displays, the disks would be smeared with camwood powder mixed with oil to heighten the effect of the ruler’s prominence.

Cane, copper, grass, encrustations

14 in. (35.56 cm)

Diam.: 8 in.

Mary Arrington Small Estate Acquisition Fund

91.63

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, The Untold Story, November 14, 2003 - November 14, 2004

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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