Object Details
- Label Text
- This highly stylized form is an altar to an individual's "head." Think of it as a crown of cowries, an emblem of wealth. It is honoring those traits that come from God, that are fated rather than a result of one's own efforts, although one's actions and attitude have impact. The object is literally a container for a stylized figure, a stemmed knob on a cone, also of cowries, that is a miniature version of its house.
- Description
- Cylinder topped by arches formed by two crossing bands, lower half covered with precisely aligned cowries, tips extending forward, framing four rectangular imported mirrors; one missing glass; triangular hide flaps between mirrors, one partial, one missing; flat lid with shells conforming to circle; leather trim with fine patina. Missing cowries at base. Top: two high wide crisscrossed bands forming openwork crown, upper halves covered in rows of cowries, large mirrors below; projection top center wrapped in worn red cloth; one complete tassels atop, some as braid with red fiber strips; some partial.
- Provenance
- Allen C. and Barbara R. Davis,collected in Nigeria, late 1980s to 2014
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Yoruba artist
- Date
- Late 20th century
- Credit Line
- Gift of Allen and Barbara Davis in honor of Bryna Freyer, Curator, National Museum of African Art
- Medium
- Leather, fiber, cowrie shells, mirror
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 55 × 23 × 24 cm (21 5/8 × 9 1/16 × 9 7/16 in.)
- Type
- Sculpture
