YORUBA BEADED CROWN

Yoruba beaded crowns weave together tradition, symbolism, and exquisite craftsmanship. These crowns, donned by Yoruba kings in Nigeria on state occasions and public functions, stand as enduring testaments to a culture rich in history and spiritual significance.

Most striking are the birds that crown these regal headpieces. Delicately perched atop, these avian symbols possess removable extensions of wood or metal, seamlessly inserted into holes at the crown's zenith. The versatility of these birds extends to their tails, which can be gracefully bent upward or downward, allowing for personal expression and individuality.

The Yoruba beaded crowns transcend mere symbols of high social status; they hold sacred significance in Yoruba culture. Adorned with white or coloured beads, they are exclusively reserved for Yoruba kings and priests, individuals whose power spans the boundary between the earthly and the divine realms. The crown, known as "ade," occupies a paramount position in royal Yoruba regalia. Only a select group of kings, known as "obas," descended from royal lineages, are granted the privilege of wearing these magnificent crowns.

The beaded veil that gracefully drapes from the headdress plays a vital role in the symbolism of the crown. By concealing the king's visage, the veil emphasizes his role as a divine leader rather than an individual. It also serves to shield onlookers from the king's potent gaze, adding an aura of mystique and reverence.

Faces adorning these crowns pay homage to and venerate ancestors, particularly Oduduwa, the mythical founder and first king of the Yoruba people. These countenances serve as eternal reminders of the royal lineage, the honored forebears, and the enduring tradition of monarchy.

Bird motifs abound on these crowns, symbolizing the king's unique ability to bridge the realms of human beings and spirits. They epitomise the monarch's role as a mediator between the secular and spiritual worlds. 

The Yoruba Beaded Crown is not merely a regal accessory; it is a living narrative of Yoruba culture, a bridge between worlds, and a tribute to the enduring heritage of a remarkable people. Owning one is not just acquiring art; it is embracing a legacy of divine leadership, ancestral reverence, and cultural continuity.

Price does not include stand. Please enquire if you would like a stand for this piece.

Condition

Bird on top of the crown is removable and inserts into a hole in the crown via an extension.

Crown is woven around a stiff raffia basket frame.

Some loose strings and missing beads. Strands have some loose string and missing beads. This item has been used and condition is in keeping with age. Discolouration of most beads from dirt.