Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba, ca. 1940s CE. A domed cap shaped from a base of woven cotton that is adorned with hundreds of petite cowrie snail shells along the cap exterior as well as down each of the 4 braided straps; a white, egg-shaped glass bead is presented on the top. Caps like this - known as ile ori - were houses for the ibori shrine, which would have been a cone shaped sculpture filled with significant items important to the owner. The ile ori protected and added power to the ibori, the cowrie shells were believed to increase good fortune since they were used as currency. Size: 8.5" Diameter x 9" H (21.6 cm x 22.9 cm); 23" H (58.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Texas, USA collection

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#187343

  • Condition: Tearing to some strands, with chipping and light staining to some shells, otherwise in great condition. Nice presentation.

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August 29, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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