This type of head adornment is worn by the members of the highest ranks of the secret society bwami governing the social structure lega , open to circumcised adults and their wives and who educate their adherents in terms of moral perfection. These objects are part of the masengo , meaning that they are sacred and therefore can only be worn by the initiates. The owner cannot part with it during his life. Bwami has varying degrees, with yananio and kindi being the highest. The materials used vary, they can be clothing buttons, cauris, pearls or cocoa beans. On a carefully braided cap of natural fibres, this head cover is completely covered with manufactured buttons. This ancient cap is topped with elephant hair in reference to the destructive power of the animal under an unflappable appearance. This prestigious accessory, prohibited nowadays, was reserved for the initiates of the last rung who self-contained the animal. Source: " Insiders". Ed. Dapper Museum; "Animal" Dapper Museum.
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