Nigerian Hat

This is a Nigerian straw hat, decorated with bands of leather, labelled Mohammedan hat in the World Museum Liverpool catalogue. It is included as it was originally collected by a member of Sierra Leone's Krio community, Claudius D. Hotobah During. From the mid-nineteenth century, Krio traders, missionaries and professionals settled along the coast of West Africa and in settlements on the Niger River. This Krio diaspora maintained close links with Sierra Leone through steam shipping lines, and objects from throughout the region found their way to Freetown where they were sometimes acquired by European collectors. Claudius D. Hotobah During was a well-respected barrister, based in Freetown.

Further Information

  • Type: Costume, dress
  • Object: Nigerian Hat
  • Materials: Leather, animal skin, Vegetable, organic fibre, Textile
  • Culture Group: Other, Krio
  • Dimensions: 210 mm
  • Production Date: Pre 1914
  • Associated Places: Central Nigeria: Lokoja (Created and collected)
  • Associated People: C.D. Hotobah During (Collector); A. Ridyard (Donor)
  • Museum: World Museum Liverpool Sierra Leone Collection
  • Accession Number: LIVCM.3.10.14.1

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