Tunic

Arts of Africa

Early-mid 20th century

Yoruba
Odo-Ona Ilorin, Nigeria
Coastal West Africa

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 tunic’s imagery refers to power and domination. Two male figures flank the front opening, while on the back a coiled snake sits beneath another male figure, possibly holding a shield. Around these motifs and on the sides and arms are geometric patterns. [See also 2009.581].

Status: Currently Off View
Department: Arts of Africa

Culture: Yoruba
Title: Tunic
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: At bottom: Diam.: 27.6 cm (10 7/8 in.); H.: 102.8 cm (40 1/2 in.)
Credit Line: Purchased with funds provided by Cynthia and Terry E. Perucca; African and Amerindian Art Purchase Fund
Reference Number: 2009.580

Constantine Petridis et al., Speaking of Objects: African Art at the Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 2020), cat. no. 43-44, pp. 114-115 (ill.).

Oba Dele Adeshina, Odo-Ona Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, until 2009; sold to Garuba (Garaba) Konte, Albuquerque, N.M., 2009 [sales invoice from the palace of Odo-Ona of Ilorin dated April 7, 2009; import documentation dated March 10, 2019; customs permit dated March 15, 2009 in curatorial file]; sold to Douglas Dawson Gallery, Chicago, Ill., 2009; sold to the Art Institute, 2009.

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.

Suggested Terms

See all hours

Currently Off View

Date:

Artist:

About this artwork

Status

Department

Culture

Title

Place

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.

Medium

Dimensions

Credit Line

Reference Number

Extended information about this artwork

Publication History

Provenance

Share

Explore Further

Sign up for our enewsletter to receive updates.

Gallery actions

Image actions

Share