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YORUBA CROWN

YORUBA KINGS

The most important part of a Yoruba king's regalia (costume or clothing) is the crown (ade in Yoruba). the beaded fringe shields the face of the ruler, not only to hide his identity, but also to protect the viewer from the power of the king's direct gaze.  the symbolic power of the crown is reinforced by figures of birds on top and around the crown.  The birds refer to the great "mothers" or witches whose power and supernatural force the ruler was held to share.  the bird itself is said to represent the royal okin (paradise flycatcher), a small whitish bird that is a symbol of royalty because the adult male grows   majestic long white tale streamers.  The prominent positioning of this bird on the royal crown thus appears to strengthen the king's difference in power and status from other people.  The striking height of these crowns also adds to the royal and sacred authority (Blier, 1998). 

Photo credit:  From The Royal Arts of Africa by Suzanne Preston Blier, 1998.  Photograph by John Pemberton III, Amherst, MA

Find out more about Yoruba People and Beaded Regalia: Symbols of Power  from Exploring Africa

• Birds: A commanding bird at the top protects the powerful medicines inserted in the crown's summit. Other birds may be added on the crown's body. Birds are symbols of the mystical powers of women whose support is needed for the oba to rule effectively. The most senior official of the royal lineage is the one who places the crown on the head of the king during his installation ceremony.
• Faces: Their representation is said to honor Oduduwa (the first oba and the first ruler to wear a beaded crown). The face also represents the royal ancestors who are said to watch and protect the royal line. Faces can also represent Olokun, the sea divinity who is patron of bead artists and the symbolic source of the very beads that are used to create the crown.
• Interlace patterns: This interconnected and never-ending design refers to the continuity and balance important to life. On a crown it can symbolize the chain of divine ancestors that are all connected and linked to Oduduwa.
• Triangles: These are divided into smaller triangles and diamond shapes, repeated in a continuous pattern, imbuing the crown with a 'shininess' that reflects its sacred qualities.
• Beaded veil: It shields the face of the oba from the people who are not to look directly at his head because of the divine power he embodies. It signals that the king is connected to the gods.
• Beads: That these crowns are completely covered with expensive beads is a signs of royalty. Each color represents a different orisha or god and the king is protected by all the gods, and this symbolizes his divine ancestry.
• White: White represents Obatala, the king of the orisha. He is considered to be highly ethical, merciful, cool, composed, and patient.
• Red: Red is often associated with the Shango, a god who is often characterized as being proud and a great warrior. He is the protector and guardian of people.
• Elephant: A symbol of longevity and power.

        This information was copied from Exploring Africa and will be removed at their request.