A fine and rare Yoruba beaded Oko staff sheath, Ekiti Yoruba; Nigeria
The sheath fully beaded on one side with old leather at the perimeter and red cloth to the back, the upper portion with stylized face above alternating panels of geometric and linear motifs, the central portion with a stylized arrow or Oko staff design. Exceptional example. H. 52"
An example from the same workshop can be found in Fagg, 'Yoruba Beadwork' Plate 8. The stylization of the face and the central arrow motif are identical.
Comments: Property of a New York Private Collector
Provenance:
Ex. Charles Jones African Art, NC
Ex. private NY collection of beadwork