Yoruba Red Blue and White Beaded Crown Nigeria
Width: 9.0
Depth: 9.0
Description
The Yoruba kingship is symbolized by a significant beaded cone-shaped crown, featuring a fringe of beads covering the face. This emblematic crown signifies a direct lineage to Odudua, the mythical founder of the sixteen original Yoruba kingdoms. Crafted from starched cotton over a basketry structure, it's adorned with birds and geometric designs. The bird imagery represents the king's semi-divine status and their control over both human and supernatural realms. Intricate interlace patterns, known as salubata, are linked to royalty or leadership. The veil on the crown shields subjects from the king's supernatural energy. Initially, crowns were monochromatic, evolving from blue segi beads to red coral introduced by the Portuguese in the late 15th century. Presently, brightly colored glass beads imported from Europe since the mid-17th century adorn these crowns. Kings often possess multiple crowns for specific ceremonial purposes, each with its own oriki, a set of chanted attributes or oral history, akin to human beings.
Height (In)
17.0
Width (In)
9.0
Depth (In)
9.0
146218
Approximate Age: Early 20th Century
People: ["Yoruba"]
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Other Dimensions: Beaded strings: approx. 40 inches total height
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.