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African & Tribal Art :
Yoruba Beaded Works : Yoruba Queen Mother's Beaded Crown
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Yoruba Queen Mother's Beaded Crown - PF.5004
Origin: Southwestern Nigeria
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
20" (50.8cm) high
x 9.5" (24.1cm) wide
Collection: African
Style: Yoruba
Medium: Beads and Textile
Additional Information: closet AF13
$1,800.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Royal headgear of the king (Oba) and his court is
a symbol of wealth, power and the “magical”
element of kingly authority. In a geometric sense
this handsome crown combines a semi-spherical
shape with a rectangle; the upper part serving as
the crest, and the lower part the base or
foundation. Both sections are composed of
tightly wound braids of black cloth. In
metaphorical terms form can be seen as the sky
and earth; the former decorated with triangles
(symbols of regeneration), and the latter
crisscrossed like a plowed field. Gold, green, and
brown are traditionally associated in Yoruba art
with the earth, forest and medicinal plants. The
encircling triangles woven onto the crest are in
vivid blue and copper beads, done in an effect
that seems to swirl inwards with its own energy
force. Hanging from the base is a cloth veil in a
Western style pattern of dark red and green. As
with the Oba the queen mother's face is hidden
during public audiences as a sign of respect, and
to "shield" the people from the intense gaze of
royalty. The symmetry of this crown represents
the balance and solidity inherent in those who
must represent the solidarity of their people and
their traditions.
- (PF.5004)
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