Ukwon African (?) hat

Sajen · 16th September 2025, 10:44 AM

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

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

Sajen · 17th September 2025, 11:54 AM

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!

Jim McDougall · 19th September 2025, 02:03 PM

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.

Sajen · 19th September 2025, 07:14 PM

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

Best regards,
Detlef

Jim McDougall · 19th September 2025, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

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

16th September 2025, 10:44 AM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,348	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? Attached Images

19th September 2025, 02:03 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,599	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. Attached Images

17th September 2025, 11:54 AM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,348	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!

19th September 2025, 07:14 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,348	Thanks a lot Jim for your further explanation which I wasn't aware of. Great picture! Best regards, Detlef