Ukwon African (?) hat
 

I got a mixed lot where this possible African hat was included.

Is someone able to tell me where this hat is coming from?

Séverin contacted me yesterday by mail because the forum was down to this time, it's a hat from the Fulbe (Peul) tribes.

Thank you very much Séverin! :)

Fulbe/Fulani
 

Interesting item of cultural heritage, and while of course may be seen as simply a hat, it also reflects important heritage, status and often certain tribal and even religious symbolism. The Fulbe tribes are nomadic herders and often enter many regions in West Africa but are primarily situated in Ghana/Ashanti.

These hats are called NGOPPO in the Fulfulde language , and of course were for protection from sun in their travels and herding activity, but gained the more iconic status through being ubiquitous and of course personalizing.

I once knew a Fulani man named Amadou, who was one of the most friendly and delightful men I ever knew. In Ghana, where he was from (he always termed his people Fulani) along with rich cultural heritage, there is a most important code of conduct called pulaaku, in which the key elements are patience, self control and respect for others.
Amadou was a perfect example of this, I never saw him not smiling, polite, courteous, and pretty much the epitome of this code.

How great if only this code were more inherent everywhere :)

The picture is of their majesties Laamiido Osman and Sarauniya Ameenata of Ghana-Ashanti. Note the ngoppo (hat) on wall upper right.

Thanks a lot Jim for your further explanation which I wasn't aware of. Great picture!

Best regards,
Detlef

You bet Detlef!! I was glad I could add something in return for all the help you have given me on things!!
Really a fascinating item......in our game....even a simple hat is not 'just a hat' and to learn of the culture from these items is wonderful.

All the best
Jim