This stiffened cloth panel would have been worn as a woman's formal head tie. The design represents the 16th century ivory pendant mask of the first Benin Queen Mother Idia. This 16th century carved ivory is now in the British Museum. Removed from the palace by the 1897 British Punitive Exposition, it is widely copied in Africa as a symbol of African heritage and independence, most notably as the emblem of the FESTAC arts festival. This textile was made in Switzerland for the Nigerian market by Hayes Fierz, a registered trademark of Hayes Textiles Ltd.
Description:
Stiffened woman's headtie of jacquard woven silk, white with woven design of rows of the ivory pendant mask representing Benin Queen Mother Idia in grey and gold. The design is based on the 16th century carved ivory belt pendant in the British Museum. The fabric features an emblem of a bee with spread wings, Hayes Fierz TM.
Provenance:
Dr. Flora S. Kaplan, New York, purchased at the main market, Lagos, Nigeria, 1984 to 2004
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
