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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Yoruba Beaded Works : Yoruba Beaded Ade Oba's Crown
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Yoruba Beaded Ade Oba's Crown - PF.4975
Origin: Southwestern Nigeria
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
29.75" (75.6cm) high
x 10" (25.4cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Beads
$7,500.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
The beaded crown of the king is the most
important symbol of royal power. This very
beautiful Ade (crown) holds within its intricate
and colorful beaded work the veritable essence
of an Oba, and of the gods (Orisa) for whom the
king is the earthly representative. Once the Ade
is placed on the royal head, his Ori Inu (inner
head) becomes one with all those who have
reigned before him, themselves having become
gods.
When the time comes to make an Ade, the artists
move to the palace where they must work in
secret. The beadworkers must first offer a prayer
to the god of iron Ogun. They then begin their
work, methodically and carefully creating a
pattern that refers to the gods in Orun (the other
world), and the sacred authority of the king. The
lovely birds adorning the bottom, middle and on
top refer to the mystical power of women,
signifying that the king maintains his rule only if
he has the support of Awon Iya Wa, "our
mothers," or good witches. A veil of beads serves
two primary functions--to hide the king's
physical aspect, thus heightening his spiritual
presence; and to protect onlookers from the
gaze of an Oba who possesses power like a god,
here seen in a face shining forth from the
brilliant yellow. What we see in this crown is a
gorgeous work of art that captivates our eyes
with its swirling design, absorbs our senses in
rich color, and holds our spirit in its radiant aura.
- (PF.4975)
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