Vintage Yoruba Beaded Crown

This vintage Yoruba Tribe Beaded Crown is from Nigeria, West Africa. The most important of the king's regalia, and is worn at all important occasions. The birds represent Okin the royal Bird. The faces are thought to represent Oduduwa, the ancestor of all crowned Kings, or Obalufon the god that created beads.

The Yoruban tribes of Nigeria are some of Africa's most famous artisans. Made only for kings, this crown is made of thousands of tiny beads. Their beaded crowns are testaments to this artisanal tradition.