Objects made of tightly woven beadwork were
mainly used for ceremonial rituals by members
of the court, or by priests and priestesses. This
dramatic and beautiful skirt is divided into three
main sections, each with a circular face next to a
floral motif and a figure-eight pattern below and
above. Such faces usually refer either to
ancestors or to deities, both of whose features
cannot be truly known so must remain abstract.
At either end of the skirt are two pairs of stylized
human figures with their arms raised in a
posture of homage. Gold, blue and white are the
colors of Orisha Oshun, suggesting this skirt was
worn by someone of high rank involved in the
cult of the deity of medicinal waters. Six long
hanging belts would have provided an added
dimension when worn, and are an interesting
contrast to the solid upper portion. The beauty of
this marvelous skirt is found in its harmonious
balance of form and design, its interplay of
traditional configuration, and the superb
beadwork that makes it fit for a princess to wear
or a great collection to display.
- (PF.5106)
|
