Adéńlá (big crown)
Not on view
The conical woven frame upon which a Yoruba leader’s crown is constructed is a microcosm of the world and a visualization of personhood. A bead artist recites prayers and makes offerings before undertaking the elaboration of its surface. This example’s exuberant color and pattern exemplify ojú-ọnà, an ideal quality of design consciousness and originality. An adéńlá is complete when a priest inserts herbal medicines that transform and fuse the wearer’s identity with that of the crown’s sacred lineage.
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