The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts presents The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality, which will be open to the public from August 22, 2025 through January 4, 2026.

The Global Language of Headwear includes 89 hats and headdresses from 42 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America, and is a tribute to the stunning diversity of the world’s cultures. With a few exceptions, the pieces are from the mid-to-late 20th century, and many are still worn today in parts of the world for revelry, ritual, and the rhythms of everyday life. More than utilitarian objects of material culture, each hat is a unique work of art—not merely because of the skill required to make it, but also as a singular expression of creativity and cultural meaning.

The profusion of shapes, styles, and materials, as well as the ingenious use of embellishments to decorate the hats, are limited only by imagination. The Global Language of Headwear is organized into five thematic sections: Cultural Identity; Power; Prestige and Status; Ceremonies and Celebrations; Spiritual Beliefs; and Protection. Hats and headdresses communicate timeless ideas—not only of beauty, but also of what it means to be human.

The exhibition will be displayed with a special focus exhibit of Chinese children’s hats from the collection of Suzanne Sugg.

The opening reception will be held on August 28 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Music and light refreshments will be provided. This event is free to attend.

This project is generously sponsored by Suzanne Sugg and Beverly Stribling. The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality was jointly organized by Stacey W. Miller and International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. For more information about SAMFA, go to www.samfa.org. Follow the museum’s socials for up-to-the-minute news and information.