French collection of African art Gelede headdress, topped with a bird, evoking the spiritual powers "ase" that the chiefs have. The Yoruba religion, centered on the veneration of its gods, or orisà, is based on artistic sculptures with coded messages (aroko). In Nigeria, also in Benin, masks and their costumes are used for the joyful dances of the Gelede society, and on the occasion of the funerals of its followers. Matte gray-brown patina, erosions and cracks. The Gelede country in Nigeria pays homage to mothers, especially the oldest among them, whose powers are said to be comparable to those of the Yoruba gods, or orisa , and ancestors, osi and who can be used for the benefit but also for the misfortune of society. Masked ceremonies, through performances using masks, costumes ...
View details Gelede hat
380.00 €
Collection of tribal art by the painter Amadeo Plaza Garcés. Named Adenla or Adé, this ancient crown of a Yoruba sovereign or oba was worn during festive ceremonies, rites or funerals. The chief held a variety of headdresses of this type intended for various occasions. The cotton, stretched over a metal frame, is embroidered with thousands of multicolored glass beads. The birds adorning this copy symbolize the spiritual powers (ase) granted to the king and with which he can bestow his subjects.
View details Yoruba Headdress
250.00 €
This type of headdress is worn by members of the highest ranks of the bwami secret society, governing the lega social structure, open to circumcised adults and their wives and who instruct their adherents in terms of moral perfection. These objects are part of the masengo, meaning that they are sacred and can therefore only be worn by initiates. The owner cannot part with it during his lifetime. Bwami has different degrees, with yananio and kindi being the highest. The materials used vary, it can be buttons of clothes, cowries, pearls or cocoa beans. On a carefully braided natural fiber cap, this headgear is entirely covered with manufactured buttons (Mukuba). This old skullcap is originally surmounted by elephant hair in reference, under an imperturbable appearance, to the destructive ...
View details Lega Cap
150.00 €
Collection of French African art During the elephant dance ceremony, called tso, members of the Kuosi society, also known as Kwosi, sported these impressive headdresses. These headdresses were part of a multi-colored costume that included a large beaded mask with large circular ears, mbap mteng, a cloth cloth, ndop, decorated with monkey fur, and a leopard belt. These dances were usually performed during festive ceremonies and funerals. Initially made with parrot feathers, these hats today use wild guinea fowl feathers, the rarity of which results in a high cost. The feathers are attached to wooden strips covered with fabric, arranged around a circular frame consolidated by a wicker fiber basket. Kosi society, which was originally composed of valiant warriors, evolved into ...
View details Juju Hat
Ex-collection of French African art These imposing headdresses were traditionally worn by members of the Kuosi society, also known as Kwosi, during the elephant dance, tso. These headdresses were matched with a multi-colored costume including a large beaded mask with large circular ears, mbap mteng, a cloth cloth, ndop, decorated with monkey fur, and a leopard belt. The dances generally took place during festive ceremonies and funerals. Initially made up of valiant warriors, Kosi society evolved into an association of wealthy notables acting in the name of royalty with the aim of regulating the social order. Headdresses were once made from parrot feathers, but today they use wild guinea fowl feathers, the rarity of which carries a high cost. The feathers are attached to ...
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This type of head ornament is worn on certain occasions by Kuba notables to highlight their wealth and prestige. Particularly careful workmanship characterizes this headdress. A braided skullcap made of natural fibers is stretched over the textile, which is entirely filled with cowrie shells, applied harmoniously, creating a dense and regular network ending in a bouquet at the top. These shells, a barter currency originally imported from the Indian Ocean by Hausa merchants, are a symbol of fertility and abundance. The Kuba are renowned for the refinement of prestige objects created for members of the higher ranks of their society. Indeed, several Kuba groups produced anthropomorphic objects with refined designs including cups, drinking horns and beakers. The Lele are ...
View details Kuba headdress
180.00 €