Nigeria
Yoruba

Metal – bronze
Mid 20th Century
Length: 28.75cm / Width: 10 cm
Idiophone – Struck Indirectly – Shaken -Bells, Metal

The Yoruba have numerous deities that are honored by placing objects on shrines to honor the gods and the ancestors. In some Yoruba regions certain chiefs, including the king were required by custom to have a cast image made of himself. This was worn by his successor in the ceremonial processions, after his death. It hung from the right shoulder and rested on the left hip. The bells rang to announce his presence.

This Yoruba Chief pendent is in the style of Igob-Ukwu, a Nigerian town known for its archaeological sites of bronze artifacts.  Igob-Ukwu is located near the modern town of Onitsha, which is in southeast Nigeria.