Royal headgear of the king (Oba) and his court is a symbol of wealth, power and the “magical” element of kingly authority. In a geometric sense this handsome crown combines a semi-spherical shape with a rectangle; the upper part serving as the crest, and the lower part the base or foundation. Both sections are composed of tightly wound braids of black cloth. In metaphorical terms form can be seen as the sky and earth; the former decorated with triangles (symbols of regeneration), and the latter crisscrossed like a plowed field. Gold, green, and brown are traditionally associated in Yoruba art with the earth, forest and medicinal plants. The encircling triangles woven onto the crest are in vivid blue and copper beads, done in an effect that seems to swirl inwards with its own energy force. Hanging from the base is a cloth veil in a Western style pattern of dark red and green. As with the Oba the queen mother's face is hidden during public audiences as a sign of respect, and to "shield" the people from the intense gaze of royalty. The symmetry of this crown represents the balance and solidity inherent in those who must represent the solidarity of their people and their traditions.