Isn't that sort of like a MIGA hat?
A
kufi or
kufi cap is a brimless, short, and rounded
cap worn by men in many populations in
North Africa,
East Africa,
Western Africa and
South Asia. It is also worn by men throughout the
African diaspora. It is also commonly called a "topi" or "tupi" among the
Indian subcontinent.
In
West Africa, a kufi cap is the traditional hat for men, and is part of the
national costume of most of the countries in the region. It is worn by
Muslims,
AfricanChristians and
African Jews, although originally Islamic. Many grandfathers and other older men wear a kufi every day to symbolize their status as wise elders, religious people, or family patriarchs.
[1]
Within the
United States, it has become identified primarily with persons of West African heritage, who wear it to show pride in their culture, history, and religion (whether
Christianity,
Islam,
Judaism or
Traditional African religions). Often made of
kente cloth,
mudcloth, or
knitted or
crocheted in a variety of yarns.
Crown style kufis are the traditional hat worn with formal West African attire, see
Dashiki.
[2] A formal dashiki suit will always include a crown style kufi, while the knitted style is most appropriate for non-formal occasions. Other caps worn with the Dashiki,
Senegalese kaftan, and
Grand boubou, include:
However, the crown style kufi is most common.
In the
United States today, many
African-Americans wear the kufi during
weddings,
funerals,
graduations and
Kwanzaa celebrations. Furthermore, people of mainly West African heritage of all faiths wear the kufi, although it is associated with members of the
Islamic faith more.
A West African king or tribal chief may have royal or noble arms embroidered on the kufi (see
Heraldry in Sub-Saharan Africa).
For members of the
Christian faith, the kufi is unisex, and is also worn by women. Crochet and knitted styles are preferred by young girls and infants.
Traditionally, when worn by men, the kufi is a sign of peace, mourning, renewal or protection of the mind.
