Shrine of the head
Artist Unidentified
20th century
Object PlaceNigeria
Medium/Techniquewood, cowry shells, fabric, leather, glass, metal tack
DimensionsOverall: 22 x 35 x 32 cm (8 11/16 x 13 3/4 x 12 5/8 in.)
Credit LineGift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession number2009.2656
On View
Not on viewClassificationsReligious and cult objects
Collections
The head is one of the most significant components of Yoruba sculpture and cosmology. The Yoruba believe that the head (ori) is the source of one's ase, or life force, that dictates one's personality and destiny. This shrine, also known as ibori, is a personal shrine that represents one's ase. Such shrines were made and consecrated by divination priests and were part of everyday ritual practice amongst many adult Yoruba. The cowrie shells, formerly used as currency, allude to the object's role as the source of personal wealth and prosperity.
Provenance1965, sold by Galerie Majestic, Paris, to Geneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)
Artist Unidentified, Pacific Islander
mid to late 20th century
mid-20th century
20th century