The Oba's crown (Ade) is the primary symbol a
king's authority, representing both his earthly
and spiritual power. It is the king's outward
manifestation of temporal rule, and a bold visual
expression of the gods from which the king is
descended; along with past Oba's royal
ancestors, who have themselves become gods.
This dual nature is reflected in the bold and
beautiful face staring at us as if from another
world, with its intense black eyes, blue lips and
scarification set against the brilliant yellow. It is
both human and spiritual, real and otherworldly,
just as is the Oba whose face must be shielded
by a veil of beads to protect viewers from his
'divine' gaze. The colorful birds encircling the
bottom, middle and crowning the top are
symbols of the mystical power of women,
particularly the witches of the night who take the
form of birds. The king must appease them and
win them over to his side in order to rule
effectively. Because of its importance only the
finest beadworkers are employed in making a
crown, creating a work of art that captures the
essence of an ancient culture with inventive
beauty and wonderful color that seems beyond
this world.
- (PF.4974)
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