Skip to main content
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit Joel Benjamin
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit Joel Benjamin
Kofia Hat
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit Joel Benjamin
Copyright and other proprietary rights in material on this site may be held by individuals or entities other than or in addition to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Library does not warrant that the use of materials displayed on this site will not infringe on the rights of third parties, such as artists or artists' heirs holding the rights to these works. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions before copying, transmitting, or making other use of protected items beyond that allowed by "fair use," as such term is understood under the United States Copyright Act. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum respects the intellectual property rights of others. The John F. Kennedy Library may, in appropriate circumstances and at its discretion, remove, disable and/or terminate access to any material on or linked to or from this site that it suspects to be infringing upon a third party's intellectual property rights or other rights.

Kofia Hat

Artifact IDMO 63.4915.1
Object Type Hat
Date ca. 1962
Date Presented11/27/62
Place MadeSomalia, Africa
Medium Cotton
DimensionsOverall H 4 in x Diam 7 in (10.2 cm x 17.8 cm)

Physical DescriptionWoven skull cap or Kufi, in a green, gold, brown geometric pattern.
Historical NoteThis hat was presented to President Kennedy by the Prime Mininister of the Somali Republic Dr. Abdirashid Ali Shermarke on November 27, 1962 during his state visit to the White House.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift to President and Mrs. Kennedy from Dr. Abdirashid Ali Shermarke, Prime Minister of the Somali Republic. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Not on view