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Champion bush-cutter hat
Champion bush-cutter hat

Champion bush-cutter hat

Date19th century–20th century
MediumRattan, plant fibers, feather, and pigment
Dimensions8 x 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 20.3 x 25.4 cm)
ClassificationsTextile
Credit LineGeorge Way Harley Memorial Collection, Duke University
Object numberL.2.1974.122
Collections
  • AFRICAN
Label TextIn the dense forests of Liberia young men compete to quickly clear fields of trees and underbrush so that farmers can plant their crops. The strongest and fastest “cutter of the bush” is honored with a trophy hat that symbolizes his achievement and status. By awarding this prestigious hat to the champion brush cutter, the community acknowledges his role as a strong and energetic leader who helped transform forest into fertile farmland.