Yoruba King's Beaded Necklace 40 Inch
Description
In Yoruba culture, beadwork holds significant cultural and religious importance. While I cannot confirm that beadwork is exclusively the province of Ife diviners, it is true that beadwork holds special significance in Yoruba religious and spiritual practices. Beadwork pieces, such as necklaces, are often associated with religious rituals, ceremonies, and status within the Yoruba community.
In Yoruba traditional religion, known as Ifa, diviners play a crucial role as intermediaries between humans and the spiritual realm. They are believed to have the ability to communicate with spirits and ancestors, providing guidance, wisdom, and solutions to various problems. Diviners often undergo rigorous training and initiations to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill their roles effectively.
Beadwork necklaces, also known as "ileke" or "ade," are among the sacred objects associated with divination practices. These necklaces are made with intricate bead patterns and colors that hold symbolic meanings. The beads are carefully chosen and arranged based on the individual's spiritual needs, divination results, or the specific Orisha (deity) being invoked. Each bead can represent a specific Orisha, a spiritual force, or an aspect of Yoruba cosmology.
The necklaces serve as spiritual tools and symbols of the diviner's connection to the divine realm. They are believed to possess protective and empowering qualities, amplifying the diviner's spiritual abilities and facilitating their communication with the spiritual entities they work with. The beadwork itself can be seen as a form of artistic expression and a visual representation of the diviner's spiritual authority and knowledge.
It's important to note that Yoruba culture is diverse and complex, with various regional and individual practices. While beadwork and its association with divination are prevalent in Yoruba culture, the specifics may vary among different lineages, communities, and individual practitioners.
Necklace Length (in): 40.0 (includes string/raffia)
Bead Size: 2-20 mm diameter.
Pendant Size (in): 6.75-5.75
150325
Approximate Age: Mid 20th Century.
People: Yoruba
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Length Details
Size Details
Pendant Size: 6.75-5.75 inches.
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair. Some of our beads have traveled at least three continents, and have graced numerous owners. Small chips, corrosion, and pitting are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.