**First Time At Auction**
West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba, ca. early 20th century CE. A wonderful beaded hat consisting of hundreds of glass beads of tubular and barrel form in hues of coral, tangerine, orange, and scarlet, all sewn with rattan fiber onto a cloth-lined wicker basket-like frame. Capped with a beaded orb-shaped embellishment, the elaborate hat is mostly covered by coral-colored beads of a tubular form, laid flat and arranged into rows of 2 in different directions. These are then divided into 4 sections via vertically placed tube beads topped by petite barrel beads of orange to form an asymmetrical cross-shape when viewed from the top. A few red barrel beads are also scattered throughout the design. A lovely heart pattern in shades of white and navy lines the interior of this fabulous cap. Size: 8.375" L x 6.5" W x 5.875" H (21.3 cm x 16.5 cm x 14.9 cm); 15.25" H (38.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Beads are a symbol of status and wealth among the Yoruba peoples and both sacred and secular objects were decorated with meaningful patterns and designs created with tiny glass beads.
Provenance: private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection; ex-Doug Dawson Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA; ex-B.C. Holland Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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#164356
Condition
Some small areas of missing beads. Light fraying to rattan fiber in areas. Otherwise, excellent with lovely earthen deposits.