Adéńlá (big crown)

Yoruba bead artist

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.

Adéńlá (big crown), Yoruba bead artist, Glass beads, cotton, bone, wood, mixed media offerings, Yoruba peoples

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