The Yoruba artists have created some of the
most impressive bead work in all Africa. These
two beautiful panels combine raw energy and
pure artistry in a form which is at once exciting
and very soothing. This seeming contradiction is
achieved by absolute symmetry, using geometric
shapes that also have symbolic meaning. The
inner square of each is composed of alternating
blue and white triangles on the outer rim. The
sudden change to black, gold and pink on the
inner square highlights the oval center and the
face within. Many of the Yoruba beaded objects
contain a face; probably associated with a divine
presence, and the personal deity of the owner or
devotee. The three triangles hanging from the
bottom are similar to the seven triangular pieces
suspended from laba Sango shrines. Priestesses
wear beaded dance panels (yata) during the
annual festival for orisa Osun. In these lovely
panels we see art and religion fused together
with superb skill and a touch of magic.
- (PF.4828)