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Thekofia is a type of brimless cylindricalheadwear with a flat top, typically worn bySomali men.[1] It is closely related to theOmaniKuma. The kofia is a sign of peace, mourning and renewal, as well as protection of one's mind.[2] Many believe that they are a symbol of a man'sIslamic identity and are worn as a sign of reverence forAllah.
The Kofia, a traditionalheadwear inHarar (eastern Ethiopia) andSomalia, is a roundheaddress with no brim and a flat crown.[3][1] It is intricately crafted from woven colored cloth adorned with embroidered patterns in a variety of hues. Thiscap features small circular perforations incorporated into the fabric, serving both as a decorative element and a functional design to promote airflow and ventilation.[2]
As an essential component of theSomali traditional attire for men, the Kofia is commonly donned as part of everyday dressing, embodying cultural significance and heritage. Its widespread usage in Somalia underscores its cultural importance and sartorial relevance, highlighting its role as a symbol of identity and tradition within theSomali community.
In November 27, 1962 during his state visit to theWhite House, Prime Mininister of theSomali Republic,Dr. Abdirashid Ali Shermarke, presented a Kofia toPresident Kennedy as gift.[4]
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Akuma (كمة) is a roundedOmanicap traditionally worn by men. It is flat on the top with the rim folded inwards, and is often white decorated with various ornate colourful designs. It is specially sized (as opposed to one size fits all) and has small holes throughout the embroidery which help keep the head cool in the hot Omani sun. It is frequently worn as day-to-day attire[5]
The kofi is worn bySwahili men inEast Africa, especially inKenya,Uganda,Tanzania,Malawi, and north and coast ofMozambique along with the eastern part ofDemocratic Republic of Congo. It is also commonly worn inOman and is popular inComoros.[citation needed] The kofi is often worn with adashiki, a colorful African shirt which is called akitenge shirt in some regions of East Africa. In Uganda, the kofia is worn with thekanzu (a white or cream-coloured tunic) on informal occasions.Jomo Kenyatta, the first President of Kenya, was often photographed wearing a kofia.[citation needed]
InZanzibar, and NorthernUganda, the Bargashia is a popular hat. This hat was named afterBarghash bin Said of Zanzibar, the former Sultan of Zanzibar. Unlike the kofia, it is covered in embroidery and does not have pin holes. Like the kofia, the bargashia is worn with the kanzu.[6]
Thefez is also worn with the kanzu and dashiki in East Africa. The East African style has atassel that hangs from the top of the hat. The red fez was introduced into the region by the military. During British colonial rule of East Africa, the red fez was worn by a regiment called theKing's African Rifles. The fez is also worn in West Africa, but the West African version has a stem on top of the hat, and no tassel.[citation needed]
TheCape Malays inCape Town, South Africa, whose menfolk wear fezzes, sometimes refer to the fez as a kofia (also spelt kofija).[7]
1951 L.G. Green,Grow Lovely, 189: Cape Malays call the fez a kofija.