The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 20, 2025

Coronet (oríkògbófo)

1900s

Africa, West Africa, Nigeria, Yorùbá-style maker

Cloth, glass beads, and thread
Overall: 12.7 x 19.5 x 19.7 cm (5 x 7 11/16 x 7 3/4 in.)
Gift of Drs. James, Gladys, Jay, Jeffrey, and Jamie Strain 1998.279
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

The beads on this sculpture were imported, likely from Venice or Bohemia (now called the Czech Republic).

Description

Like the rare conical crown (ade), the coronet (oríkògbófo) may only be worn by a king descended from Oduduwa, the first king of the Yorùbá. While the crown is reserved for special occasions, the coronet may be used by the king for less formal public events and when entertaining non-Yorùbá visitors. It signifies wealth rather than royal status.
  • ?-1999
    Drs. James and Gladys Strain
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH by gift
  • {{cite web|title=Coronet (oríkògbófo)|url=false|author=|year=1900s|access-date=20 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1998.279