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Hat

A work made of glass beads, cloth, and string.

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  • A work made of glass beads, cloth, and string.

Date:

Early-mid 20th century

Artist:

Yoruba
Odo-Ona Ilorin, Nigeria
Coastal West Africa

About this artwork

The Yoruba appreciate the color variations and sparkling surfaces of beads, as well as the way that they can be combined into dazzling patterns. Beads contain àse (animating force) and become further imbued with it when worn. Today titled Yoruba men wear beaded regalia as an expression of power, status, and divine sanction. This beaded cap features an interlaced motif with strong royal associations. [See also 2009.580].

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Yoruba

Title

Hat

Place

Nigeria (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1900–1975

Medium

Glass beads, cloth, and string

Dimensions

15.2 × 20.3 cm (6 × 8 in.)

Credit Line

Purchased with funds provided by Cynthia and Terry E. Perucca; African and Amerindian Art Purchase Fund

Reference Number

2009.581

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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