Search

Start Over Object class Worn costume accessories Accession number Acc.4023
Hearst Museum object titled Belt, accession number 5-14576, described as Money belt, "ukenda." Goat leather stitched with white cotton thread with a metal belt buckle. Length 94 centimeters, width 5.5 centimeters. Made by men of the Wasiyu and is buckled around the Kikoi (male skirt) as decoration, holding knives and storing money by Swahili men.
Hearst Museum object titled Charm, accession number 5-14579, described as Charm; dhow eye, wood, cylindrical with an engraved white star in a white crescent moon, in the center, with a dark blue background. A border of red encircles the design, with blue painted sides. Stuck on the side of dhows (common in Lamu district) as a decoration and protection charm, as it allegedly “sees” rocks in the sea and prevents ship wrecks. They are permanent on dhows and serve as eyes. Made by men (Waswahili) and obtained by trade at Waswahili, Lamu district. Cost in U.S. $2.50.
Hearst Museum object titled Hat, accession number 5-14571, described as Cap, "Kofia," embroidered. Cylindrical, stitched white cotton with gold thread reinforced holes of diamond, circular, curvilinear, and floral designs. Diameter 20 centimeters, height 10 centimeters. Made by Waswahili men and women and is worn anytime by Muslim men. Holes are made by a porcupine quill. The cap is a symbol of male purity and is the same style as caps worn by men in Oman. It is sometimes worn under a turban. Cost USD $21.42 [at collection date 1984].

Limit your search

View larger Year collected

View larger Accession year