The Mangbetu people are famous for their hair styles and Lipombo, the practice of elongating the head.
The name Mangbetu refers to a large people group of the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Mangbetu area is one of both forest and savannah.
The elongated heads were created by lengthening their skulls by tying tight cord around the head when they were infants. It was thought that the process would increase the brain cavity and therefore the intelligence of the child.
The Mangbetu hairstyle is further developed to accentuate the shape of the head. After much of the hair is braided, a number of the strands are skillfully interwoven with straw to form a cylindrical design which is secured to the scalp with pins.)
Note: These used to be made from ivory, which we avoid - after all, ivory looks better on an elephant!
Height: 7 1/2" x Diameter: 2 1/16"
