Beaded Foot Cushion
Yoruba; Workshop of the Adesina Family
Description
Subject Matter:
This beaded foot cushion, called apote itise (meaning box for the feet) or timutimu (meaning something filled with powerful, unknown things) in the Yoruba language, would have formed part of the regalia of an oba, a sacred Yoruba king. During events of great importance, the feet of an oba could not touch the ground; beaded shoes, boots, seats, and foot cushions were used to elevate them. Foot cushions also physically raised the oba, which would have highlighted his powerful status. Intertwined with floral patterns, the faces on the foot cushion were also found on other beaded regalia. The diamond and zig-zag designs on the forehead of each face refer to ori inu, or the inner head, the site of a person's (in this case an oba's) ase, or life force.
References Cited:
Drewal, Henry John and John Mason. 1998. Beads Body and Soul: Art and Light in the Yoruba Universe. Los Angeles: UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History,
Physical Description:
Circular cushion with multi-colored beadwork. The top is decorated with a large yellow flower surrounded by smaller flowers and vines on a blue background. The edge is outlined with red beads and the date "1946". The sides are decorated with six alternating faces and yellow and red flowers. Three faces are green and red, while three are blue and yellow.
Usage Rights:
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