fila (Hat)

The fila—also known as a taqiyah, kufi or koofiyad—is a brimless cap typically worn by West African Muslim men. It has been worn for centuries and is considered to be part of following the Sunnah (teachings) of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad. Usually worn in observance of the five daily Islamic prayers, it is typically accompanied by an agbádá (a flowing, wide-sleeved robe). Despite its association with Islam, the fila is now worn by Africans of various faiths and has become part of traditional West African dress.

Hat made of light orange cotton fabric with a small circle of fabric at the top. The fabric has been quilted with small stitches across the top of the crown to the shoulder where it has been embroidered with a geometric pattern in light blue thread on the sides. The sides of the hat flare outwards slightly.