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Adéńlá (big crown)

late 19th–early 20th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 343
The conical woven frame upon which a Yoruba leader’s crown is constructed is a microcosm of the world and a visualization of personhood. A bead artist recites prayers and makes offerings before undertaking the elaboration of its surface. This example’s exuberant color and pattern exemplify ojú-ọnà, an ideal quality of design consciousness and originality. An adéńlá is complete when a priest inserts herbal medicines that transform and fuse the wearer’s identity with that of the crown’s sacred lineage.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Adéńlá (big crown)
  • Artist: Yoruba bead artist
  • Date: late 19th–early 20th century
  • Geography: Nigeria, Osogbo region
  • Culture: Yoruba peoples
  • Medium: Glass beads, cotton, bone, wood, mixed media offerings
  • Dimensions: H. 12 x Diam. 8 5/8 in. (30.5 x 21.9 cm)
  • Classification: Beads-Costumes
  • Credit Line: Gift of Ernst Anspach, 1976
  • Object Number: 1976.202
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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