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Container for Ibòrí (Ìlé Orí), also referred to as a House of the Head

Container for Ibòrí (Ìlé Orí), also referred to as a House of the Head

Currently unknown artist or artists (Yorùbá style)

Cowrie shells once circulated widely across the Indian Ocean as currency and became symbols of wealth, fertility, spiritual power, and communication with the unseen in many African cultures. This vessel serves as a container for an ibòrí—a representation of one’s inner spiritual “head” and one’s destiny. In such a context, a protective exterior of cowrie shells might ensure good fortune.
Artist/Maker
Currently unknown artist or artists (Yorùbá style)
Title
Container for Ibòrí (Ìlé Orí), also referred to as a House of the Head
Date
probably 20th century
Material & Process
Cowrie shells, fabric, mirrored glass, and mixed media
Dimensions
20 3/4 x 8 1/2 x 10 1/4 in. overall
Credit
Gift of Michael and Inez Brunner
Inventory No.
2023.32.4
Classification
Beadwork
Location
Nigeria

Related

ca. 1999, sold by Ousman Kabba (St. Albans, NY) to Michael and Inez Brunner (Chicago, IL); 2023, gifted by Michael and Inez Brunner (Madison, WI) to the Chazen Museum of Art

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