An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Prestige Cap (mpu ngola)late 1800s–early 1900s
<em>Zimpu </em>(singular: <em>mpu</em>) are intricately knotted caps worn by men in parts of Central Africa. Ringed with leopard claws, this long cap (<em>mpu ngola</em>) once belonged to a high-status man; the fierce feline attachments alluded to his personal qualities, as both were seen as leaders in their domains. Its interlacing motifs appear across artforms made by the Kongo, Vili, and Yombe peoples. When new, caps draped over the head. However, raffia fibers stiffen over time. To support this now-delicate <em>ngola,</em> the CMA’s conservators mounted it upright. Known since at least 1607 in the former Loango Kingdom, as well as the adjacent Kongo Kingdom, such caps were once made by noblemen and worn into at least the 1980s.
The geometric motifs on this <em>mpu</em> cap—including diamonds and interlaces—are seen on Kongo, Vili, and Yombe works in other materials, including ivory and basketry.
Raffia palm fiber (Raphia ruffia or R. vinifera) and leopard claws
Overall: 42 x 19.3 x 19 cm (16 9/16 x 7 5/8 x 7 1/2 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
In the heart of Central Africa, where the echoes of history blend with the rustle of the tall grasses, there exists a rich tapestry of tradition woven into the very fabric of life. Here, among the intricate designs and vibrant colors, a singular object tells a powerful tale—a cap known as the <em>zimpu</em>.
Imagine, for a moment, a time long ago within the former Loango Kingdom, circa 1607. A high-status man stands tall, adorned in an ornate <em>mpu ngola</em>. This cap, draped elegantly over his head, is no mere accessory; it is a symbol of power and prestige. Ringed with the fierce claws of leopards, the cap is a reminder of the strength and leadership both man and beast embody in their realms. The leopard, known as the king of the jungle, was revered not only for its ferocity but also for its grace—qualities that the man wearing this <em>mpu</em> aspired to reflect in his own life.
As we trace the lineage of this remarkable piece, we notice the intricate interlacing motifs that are not just mere adornments but a signature of artistry from the Kongo, Vili, and Yombe peoples. These designs whisper stories of heritage and culture, flowing like water through the annals of time.
Fast forward to the modern day, and we are met with a poignant realization. What was once a fluid and draping cap has now aged, its fibers stiffened by the passage of time—a delicate reminder of the past. In the capable hands of conservators at the CMA (Cleveland Museum of Art), this beloved cap has been carefully mounted upright, a testament not only to its beauty but to its enduring legacy.
Last seen gracing heads of noblemen and perhaps even the spirited gatherings of the 1980s, the <em>mpu</em> stands as a bridge between eras, connecting us to a world where symbols held profound meanings, and stories waited to be unraveled. The vibrant whispers of this cap remind us that history is not just etched in books, but in the very artifacts that intricately weave our shared narrative.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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