TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities

"Altering The Way You View The World Of Art"
Type of Object:     
    Bata Ileke - Yourba Beaded Shoes

    These were part of royal regalia and worn as prestige
    accessory during special events. Shoes like these were
    prerogative of royalties and nobilitie,  s Colors and
    geometric designs play significant symbolic roles among
    the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Among the Yoruba, beadwork
    is the province of the Ife diviner, something akin to a priest.

    The Yoruba are famous for their fierce warrior abilities, their
    respect and love for cattle, and their intricate and colorful
    beadwork adornment. The beading skills and traditional
    patterns are passed from mother to daughter, from
    generation to generation. Working outside while keeping
    careful watch on their young children, these women create
    delicate, multi-colored beaded jewelry, garments, and other
    accessories worn by both men and women   for every day
    and for special occasions and feasts, and serve to identify a
    person's place in society, and many of their designs and
    colors carry symbolic meaning.  

Ethnic Group:            
    Massai

Country of Origin:          

Material:                       
    Beads

Deminsions:

Reference:                  
    Faggs, YORUBA BEADWORK and BEADS BODY AND
    SOUL-ART AND LIGHT IN THE YORUBA UNIVERSE by
    Drewal and Mason, pp. 218-219- cat.20-21