A Fine Yorubaland Orikogbofo ~ Tribal Tribute To Twins, Kings & Ancestors

Description

The spectactular beaded crowns of the Yoruban Oba are well known.
Lesser known are the smaller pillbox styled hats such as this, known as
orikogbofo & other
small coronets, made for daily wear.
In traditional Yoruba culture, beaded articles of clothing were reserved
for kings, diviners, healers and other high ranking officials within the
clan system.
While colonialism and democratic institutions have greatly diminished the
role of the Oba, they are still honored and given great respect by those
who live in Yorubaland, a cultural region encompassing parts of modern
day Nigeria,
Togo & Benin.
This heavily beaded hat was made in the early half of the 20th century.
It remains in quite fine condition, despite signs of use & wear.
Perhaps simplistic for some tastes, this piece has some interesting
use of color and symbolic meanings.
2 sets of identical faces or twins adorn the hat. In Yoruba culture, twins
are revered. They are considered magical, capable of bringing both blessings
and destruction with them. The youngest, born first, is known as Taiwo, ʻexperiencing
the first taste of the world.ʻ The second born, Kehinde, emerges after Taiwoʻs
cry and is thought to be wiser & more cautious in nature. Elaborate ceremonies
celebrate the birth of twins & divination priests are called in to bless the newborns,
expel any evil spirits that may be lurking and to educate the parents in how to
care for them.
Vertical beaded rows, sometimes found on either side of the beaded noses are said to
represent lineage. Sometimes both vertical & horizontal beaded rows are seen
decorating the beaded faces. It is possible that the faces on this hat
represent royal ancestors or deities, going back to Oduduwa, the first king of the
Yoruba peoples. Beaded faces represent unification of the spirit, ancestral world with
that of the earthly world of the Oba & his people. They are also known to represent
Olokun, a sea divinity who is the patron of bead artists & symbolic source of the beads
used to create sacred crowns.
The color red is said to be associated with Shango, the protector and guardian of the people.
Blue represents spirituality and white for Obatala, ethical, merciful & patient, all attributes
of the greatest of leaders.
The beadwork on this hat is a feat in of itself and testament to the art & craftsmanship
of Yoruba bead artists. What a delight !