Zulu married woman's hat, Inkehli, comes from the word kheli which means to be cut. This relays to everyone that the wearer is no longer among the unmarried women, she has been cut and belongs to a new stage of life, that of the married woman, umfazi.

Inkehli is also worn as a sign of respect to the husband and his family as well as to identify her as an unavailable woman.

This vivid red ochre hat evoking the blood of the earth, is adorned with beads of red, yellow, black, white, blue and orange with a black netted lining.

This contemporary hat was crafted and at the turn of the 21st century and is from the Valley of 1000 Hills in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. It can be worn or used as art or decor. Similar hats are shown as wall art in one of the photos on the home page slide show.

Approximate Dimensions:5"H Top 13.5"D Opening 8"