The Pende people of southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo are organized into small kingdoms, each consolidating several clans under the leadership of a chief, whose primary role is to act as a mediator with the ancestors. Pende chiefs' crowns, known as Misango, serve as symbols of title and nobility. These crowns are crafted from a basketry frame adorned with imported glass beads threaded onto cotton. The beads, which were commonly traded throughout the region between 1900 and 1930, likely originate from Czechoslovakia. Initially, Pende chief’s hats were predominantly embellished with black-and-white beads, but over time, they incorporated red, yellow, and blue beads into their designs. This exquisite specimen features five knob-like projections on the side and top, a characteristic shared by headwear among neighboring peoples in the region. The vibrant hues of red and blue, indicative of mid-20th century production (likely around the 1960s), along with the intricate patterns, contribute to its commanding presence. Total height with stand 28 cm. Diameter of wicker hat itself 18 cm. #parisapartment