Yoruba Beaded Oba Crown

The Yoruba peoples of Nigeria are some of Africa's most famous artisans. Their deep mythologies fired the imaginations and talents of skilled craftspeople to create extraordinary works of art. Made only for the Yoruba ruler, known as an oba, their beaded crowns are testaments to this artistic tradition. Considered direct conduits to the gods, Yoruba kings were enshrined in beads to display their status, in birds to signify their ability to cross into the spirit realms, and in low-hanging tassels to remind others they were in the presence not of a man, but of a spiritually unique being. Brilliantly colored and densely beaded, this ceremonial hat lives on as a captivating sculptural object.