Royal Family Cap

In the late 20th and early decades of the 21st century, hip hop was an important focus and creative outlet for young people all over the world, including here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The material culture of hip hop in New Zealand documents a distinctive local response to a global music phenomena across a range of cultural activities.

Significance

This cap belonged to Jaycee Cook from the Misfits dance crew, an all-male adult crew that is one of many dance crews from the Royal Family - a dance collective based at The Palace Dance Studio in Auckland, New Zealand. The Royal family includes hip hop dance crews such as ReQuest, Misfits, Sorority and Bubblegum. The imagery of royalty that is present in the name and symbols on the dance group's merchandise and uniform symbolises ideas of privilege, popular culture and unity.

The Palace Dance Studio (TPDS)

The Palace Dance Studio is owned by internationally recognised choreographer and dancer, Parris Goebel who specialises in hip hop dance. It is also the origin point of a dance movement known as Polyswagg - a fusion of the Polynesian dance styles that members of the Royal Family have combined with their passion for hip hop choreography and style.

Acquisition History

This cap was gifted to Te Papa by The Palace Dance Studio in 2013.