Description
Once installed in royal office, a Yoruba ruler must never be seen with an uncovered head. For sacred occasions, the ruler wears an elaborate cone-shaped beaded crown. However, he usually also owns a selection of less elaborate beaded hats for daily use. Because they are not produced for ceremonial purposes—and thus need not reflect the sacred world—such hats demonstrate a great range of artistic styles. This hat resembles a British coronet, with clusters of beads on the ridges imitating gems.
Provenance
James and Gladys Strain, Riverdale, N.Y., by 2000; given to the Art Institute, 2000.
Accession Number
156581
Medium
Glass beads, cloth, iron, and thread
Dimensions
22.9 × 20.4 × 20.4 cm (9 × 8 × 8 in.)
Classification
ceremonial object
Credit Line
Gift of Drs. James and Gladys Strain