Western Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A sizable and beautiful helmet mask, comprised of several textile swaths sewn together and reinforced along the rim, meant to be worn atop one's head rather than over the face. The exterior exhibits a meticulously-arranged display of 2 abstract anthropomorphic faces, 8 chameleons of primarily blue or green colors, and 8 small orange-headed birds. A central column with a rounded head rises from the top of the helmet, and a large bird-form finial rests within a central cavity with its slender wooden attachment pole. The colors on this helmet are brought forth via thousands of multi-colored seed beads in hues of crimson, emerald, sapphire, citrine, pearl, jet, and topaz. Headwear like this example, known as an "ade oba" (or adenla), were used primarily as the crown for the reigning king to symbolize his wealth, power, influence, and responsibility over those he governed. Size: 11" W x 24.125" H (27.9 cm x 61.3 cm).

The "ade oba" (or "king's beaded crown") is the quintessential symbol of kingship within the Yoruba culture. Beads like those used on these masks were not made by the Yoruba peoples but rather imported from the British Isles. Such seed beads exhibiting a blue hue, like those seen on this mask, were highly-prized because such sapphire colors were not found in naturally-occurring substances.

This type of kingly helmet mask was meant to depersonalize the individual wearing the crown and, instead, emphasize his official position. The smaller masks around the helmet symbolize the many roles the king must embody when carrying out his duties, and the birds on the crown represent his connection to the natural world and not just the society over which he presides.

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#141231

Losses to some beads on animal bodies and legs, with fading to bead coloration in some areas, and adhesive residue along many animal parts. Some staining to interior textile lining. Nice earthen deposits throughout.