House of the Head

This Yoruba object from Nigeria is known as a house of the head, or ile ori.  The Yoruba believe that the head is the seat of a life force that determines a person’s essential nature and destiny.  The house of the head shrine is designed to contain a person’s inner spiritual essence.  It is the focus of rituals and offerings to ensure good fortune and an ideal fate.  The Museum’s house of the head is made of cloth embellished with colored glass beads.

The shrine is the featured object for this year’s Save Our Hide conservation fundraising drive.  Learn more information about the Conservation Fund and how you can help!