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Royal African Headdress
- Item Number
- 305
- Estimated Value
- 205 USD
- Opening Bid
- 90 USD
Item Description
This beautiful royal Afrian headdress was meticulously handmade by the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria. Constructed from beads, cloth, and steel wire, this headdress is embellished with birds in shades of red, green, blue, and white.
Beads are sacred to the Yoruba, and a crown such as this would be worn by only a few of the most important kings. It would be worn for important public events. The beads hang down as a veil to hide the king's face--downplaying his individuality and accentuating his universal divine aspect. It is also said to protect villagers from the potency of the king's direct gaze.
For the the Yoruba, birds refer to the spirit world and such a motif symbolizes the king's mediating role between the human and spirit worlds. Birds also represent the feminine whose procreative and nurturing power must be respected by the king. The repeating pattern is a comment on the fecundity and interconnectedness of all life, and the continuity of royal lineage.
Item Special Note
- Measures 18" tall, 8.5" wide, 7.5" diameter opening for head. Beads hang down approximately 12".
- Additional shipping charges apply.
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