Crown (Ade)

19th-20th century

A Yoruba ruler wore this as a casual crown to maintain everyone's awareness of his position and spiritual authority. Birds at the top proclaim their ability to walk on land and fly in the sky, serving as messengers between heaven and earth. Beaded crowns signify that the wearer can trace his ancestry to the mythical founder of the Yoruba kingdoms.

Cloth, glass beads, fiber

17 in. (43.18 cm)

Diam.: 8 in.

Gift of Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb

91.251

Now on view at the Seattle Art Museum

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