YORUBA BEADWORK 29

Despite its appearance, this Yoruba beaded work shows no evidence of age or use and was probably made to be sold. The cylindrical base is hollow. The figure's necklaces are made from coconut shell discs.  Some distinctly larger beads and cowrie shells add to the variety of the piece.

Beads were signs of wealth and status. Many Yoruba sacred and secular objects were embellished with elaborate images and symbolic designs created by small glass beads.