Yoruba Beaded Shoes Nigeria Sidley Collection

A fascinating pair of Yoruba beaded shoes! Size 44. Each shoe measures 12 x 4 x 4 inches

The Yoruba people, the largest culture in Nigeria and a significant presence in Africa, boast a rich heritage dating back centuries. Despite enduring exploitation during the era of slavery, they've preserved a profound set of beliefs and rituals, often represented through a prolific artistic output encompassing sculpture, masks, textiles, pottery, and beadwork. Yoruba art, esteemed for its aesthetic allure and cultural significance, prominently features intricate sculptures portraying mythological figures and everyday life. Beadwork holds a special place in their religious practices, particularly in divination rituals where intricate bead panels are crafted to symbolize spiritual entities and cosmic elements. In Yoruba traditional religion, diviners serve as intermediaries between the human and spiritual realms, utilizing beadwork panels as tools reflecting their spiritual authority and connection to the divine. However, the nuances of these practices may vary across different Yoruba lineages and communities, highlighting the diverse tapestry of Yoruba culture.

Provenance: Niña Sidley Collection

After a long career in publishing, Niña Sidley returned to her first love: collecting the art, artifacts, and textiles of the world’s indigenous peoples. Part of her mission has been to educate others and to honor the extraordinary creativity, ingenuity, and heartfelt messages these hand made works send from their makers. Niña believes this deep respect for tradition and beauty inspires and ties all of us together as one world.

Height (In)
4

Width (In)
12.0

Depth (In)
4.0

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