Ritual head with shell ornaments

Title: Ritual Head with Shell Ornaments
Material: Wood, plant fibers, cowrie shells, metal
Dimensions: H. 32 x 14 x 14 cm
Origin: West Africa, probably Yoruba Interpretation: In West African cultures, sculpted heads are often associated with ancestor worship and protection rites. Cowrie shells, symbols of prosperity and fertility, reinforce the object’s sacred value. The ring and holes suggest a ceremonial use, likely for suspension or transportation during community rituals.
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