Bracelet

16th-18th century; Nigeria, Yoruba; Ivory; diameter 11 cm (4 1/4 in.); Founders Society Purchase, Acquisitions Fund; 80.42

The king of Owo, a village in Nigeria, was traditionally the only person who could wear ivory ornaments. This ivory bracelet may have been worn by the king during Ore, an important ancient festival. The female heads may represent Olokun, the goddess of the sea, and the crocodiles may be sacrificial victims for her. The crocodile's ability to both walk on land and swim in water acts as a metaphor for kingship as it is believed that kings also live in two realms, the world of ordinary life and the world of the gods and spirits.