Yoruba Beaded Double Dance Panel Nigeria MATTER COLLECTION

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: Matter Collection

From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much.

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