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Unknown"Ceremonial Hunting Shirt - Yoruba, Nigeria, " Glass Beads, Shells, & Clothcirca 1940
circa 1940
About the Item
For the Yoruba people of Nigeria, beads and shells are applied to ceremonial garments and headdresses. Beads are an important part of Yoruba culture. henry John Drewal has written that a "number of key concepts--temperament, empowerment, protection, potentiality, desire, wealth, and well-being--are associated with beads." The vest, believed to be a ceremonial hunting vest, is decorated with birds, fish, snakes, and abstract triangular faces representing a deity. The snake is considered a messenger of the gods. The glass beads and shells are symbols of wealth and status; thus, Yoruba men wear beaded regalia. Cowrie shells are particularly significant; at one time they were used as currency. This is. garment made for those of royal and priestly lineage, typically worn for ceremonial occasions. Both kings and priests are believed to have contact with the gods and with nature, acting as intermediaries between the physical and supernatural worlds. According to the Art Institute of Chicago, beads contain ase (animating force) and become further imbued with it when worn.
There is evidence of bead manufacturing among the Yoruba that dates as far back as the 11th century AD. Scientific evidence exists indicating that blue-green glass beads were being traded outside the Yoruba area long before the era of contact with the Europeans. The Yoruba kingdoms of Benin and Ife were wealthy enough to generate a large trade with the outside world. One prized import was foreign beads, from India before 1500 and from Venice, Bohemia, and other parts of Europe. In the late 19th century, hereditary Ife carvers and crown makers began to fashion crowns and other regalia for Obas (kings) in a new style out of trade beads. Yoruba craftsmen at other courts followed suit and the fashion spread to the priesthood as well.
27 3/4" x 21"
- Creation Year:circa 1940
- Dimensions:Height: 27.75 in (70.49 cm)Width: 21 in (53.34 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Milwaukee, WI
- Reference Number:
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