Beaded Coronet

Round beaded crown with six radiating bands (predominantly green with white, metallic and blue accents) that stem from the central axis upon which the big blue-headed bird sits. Smaller birds perch at the base of the bands. Bottom rim predominantly red with white, metallic and blue accents. Spaces in between vertical bands are filled with yellow feathers or possibly synthetic material.
Artist Unknown, African, Yoruba Peoples Nigeria
1925-1975
Yoruba rulers or Obas use this type of head covering for everyday occasions. This vibrant version is a byproduct of creative cross-fertilization in between European and Yoruba royal headgear. The birds adorning the coronet are ubiquitous features of royal crowns, while the general design structure is reminiscent of bejeweled royal British crowns.
Gift of Dr. James and Vivian Curtis
1997/1.345
Monday, June 5, 2023