Yoruba House of Head with Bird Ile Ori Nigeria

Cowrie-covered symbolic crowns are emblematic of the Yoruba "cult of the head," a profound belief in traditional Yoruba culture that the head is not only the seat of personality but also a powerful source of spiritual protection. These crowns, richly adorned with cowrie shells, symbolize both wealth and social prestige, as cowries were historically associated with currency and trade. The design of the crown typically takes the form of a pyramid, with an open peak resembling the roof of the Kobi found on the palace veranda, a structure known for its sacred and symbolic significance within Yoruba royal architecture.

Atop the crown is a bird, a symbol deeply tied to the inner realm and the sacred ruler, reflecting the Yoruba belief in spiritual sovereignty and divine rule. These crowns, once worn as symbols of personal and spiritual authority, were traditionally destroyed upon the death of their owner. The cowries, considered valuable currency, would be spent in honor of the deceased, making these crowns rare artifacts today. As noted in Thompson's Black Gods and Kings, "The personal ruler of man is his head," emphasizing the head's crucial role in determining an individual's fate. This symbolic crown thus serves as a marker of both personal and spiritual identity, distinguishing it from the more formal headgear worn by kings, which often featured fringes or more elaborate adornments.

The crown's significance transcends its material value, reflecting the Yoruba's deeply rooted cosmological understanding, where the head is revered as the locus of life and destiny. The simplicity of the crown—lacking the ornate fringes found in royal regalia—highlights its function as a personal, spiritual crown rather than a royal one, emphasizing the connection between the individual’s fate and their spiritual essence. Through such crowns, the Yoruba continue to honor the profound importance of the head in shaping both identity and spiritual protection.

150883

Approximate Age: Early 19th- 20th Century
People: Yoruba
Country of Origin: Nigeria

Material: natural fiber, leather, wood, cowrie shells

Damage/Repair: Some damage to leather, loose threads and dirt. See photos for details.
Overall Condition: Good to fair. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.