Red hat and eagle feather (optional)

African igbo chief/ men’s cap
The ‘red cap’ worn by chiefs in Igboland symbolizes authority, tradition, and culture; and it also represents the entire authority, and power in Igbo culture.

Putting on the red cap is not an all-comers affair in Igboland as there are always a select number of individuals who are entitled to wear this special cap (especially with eagle feather which in its own right signifies prominence).

When one has been conferred a chieftaincy title in Igboland, it is proper that he must wear the red cap when making appearances in formal traditional events or ceremonies or when he plays a formal traditional role in his family, clan or community.

The wearers of the Igbo red cap are usually men who have fulfilled certain obligations and maintained the standards laid down in their various communities.

They are recognized in the different communities in Igboland by names such as ‘Nzes’, ‘Ichies’, ‘Ozos’, ‘Ogbuefis’ and others.; who are not expected to misrepresent, cheat or enroll in any project that can lead the traditional formation into disrepute.