A Life in Ruins: Douglas Dawson, 35 Years of Art and Antiques 
13 July 2017
, Great Crown (Ade) - Image 1 of 2
, Great Crown (Ade) - Image 2 of 2
A Life in Ruins: Douglas Dawson, 35 Years of Art and Antiques 
, Great Crown (Ade) - Image 1 of 2
, Great Crown (Ade) - Image 2 of 2
148

Great Crown (Ade)

Yoruba, Nigeria, Early 20th Century
glass beads, cloth, rattan 45 h × 8 dia in (114 × 20 cm)
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $5,625
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Includes custom metal stand.

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The Yoruba of Nigeria are legendary for their antiquity, creativity, artistic excellence and rich court culture. The Yoruba kings and their court accumulated treasuries of elaborate beadwork such as this important crown. The fringe was believed to protect onlookers from the potentially harmful visage of the king. The bird on top—a classic feature of high rank crowns—protected the king from any threatening forces. The glass beads were imported from Europe, India and the Middle East at least since the 12th century.

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