Crown – Shells, Plant fibre – Ile Ori- Yoruba – Nigeria

Unique Ile Oir, house of the head crown from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria.

This is a shrine honoring the human head, believed by the Yoruba to be the container of the soul, and the determinant of one’s fortune. For this reason the head is often magnified in Yoruba art. The House of the Head, or ile ori, is an ornamental coffer in the shape of a four-sided crown. The cowrie shells that cover the shrine refer to the wealth and social status of its owner. An ile ori may contain smaller shrines and prayers to sustain the power of the head. Good condition with clear traces of wear and tear.

This crown-like cowry-covered cylindrical container, has four cowried panels rising from the top edge, leaning inward. The four panels are not fully stitched anymore.The top section is removable, revealing a now empty container. The head is worshipped among the Yoruba as the seat of personal destiny, power, and character.

Provenance: former private collection from the Netherlands.

Object	Crown
Ethnic group:	Yoruba
Country:	Nigeria
Material:	Cauri shells, Plant fibre
Estimated period:	Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:	No
Dimensions:	35x22x21 cm
Weight:	3100 gram
Condition:	Good condition, used withsigns of wear