Mid–20th century
Yoruba Nigeria Coastal West Africa
Nigeria
Once installed in royal office, a Yoruba ruler must never be seen with an uncovered head. For sacred occasions, the ruler wears an elaborate cone-shaped beaded crown. However, he usually also owns a selection of less elaborate beaded hats for daily use. Because they are not produced for ceremonial purposes—and thus need not reflect the sacred world—such hats demonstrate a great range of artistic styles. This hat resembles a British coronet, with clusters of beads on the ridges imitating gems.
Glass beads, cloth, iron, and thread