Yoruba beaded sash

Meticulously hand-beaded and crafted, these sashes are inspired by those worn by priestesses in the Yoruba tribe to symbolise their spiritual status during public ceremonies. Indeed, beads and cowrie shells were historically symbols of wealth and status. Today, sashes continue to be handmade in Nigeria by the artistic Yoruba people. Common motifs include Yoruba faces with vertical cheek scarification, as well as various animals and geometric patterns.