Objects made of tightly woven beadwork were mainly used for ceremonial rituals by members of the court, or by priests and priestesses. This dramatic and beautiful skirt is divided into...
Objects made of tightly woven beadwork were mainly used for ceremonial rituals by members of the court, or by priests and priestesses. This dramatic and beautiful skirt is divided into three main sections, each with a circular face next to a floral motif and a figure-eight pattern below and above. Such faces usually refer either to ancestors or to deities, both of whose features cannot be truly known so must remain abstract. At either end of the skirt are two pairs of stylized human figures with their arms raised in a posture of homage. Gold, blue and white are the colors of Orisha Oshun, suggesting this skirt was worn by someone of high rank involved in the cult of the deity of medicinal waters. Six long hanging belts would have provided an added dimension when worn, and are an interesting contrast to the solid upper portion. The beauty of this marvelous skirt is found in its harmonious balance of form and design, its interplay of traditional configuration, and the superb beadwork that makes it fit for a princess to wear or a great collection to display.