Hat Item Number: 3489/9 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Woven conical hat with tiered, rod brim. Bottom rods are naturally coloured, top rod is partially painted red. Six sections of plant fibre, that bind all the rods together, are painted black and red, forming a vertical stripe pattern. Painted sections are evenly spread out along the brim. Naturally coloured loop attached to brim, for hanging purposes. Hat is divided into six sections- three rectangles and three triangles. The rectangular sections have a black background with a naturally coloured zigzag down the middle. A vertical line, done in red, runs through the pattern. The triangular sections have diagonal rows of concentric diamond designs, trimmed with zigzags on either side. Diamonds and lines are done in black. All sections are bordered by red painted lines. Red tassel, with cowrie shells, attached to tip of hat.
Acquired by the donor in 1976-1978, when he lived and worked in Sabah, on the island of Borneo, as a volunteer with CUSO International.