Description:
birds

Label Text:
According to Yoruba culture, the Ile Ori serves as a house for the inner, spiritual head of a person. In Yoruba philosophy, a person’s spirit and character is contained in one’s “inner head” (Ori-Inu) and the Ile Ori serves as a shrine to this inner essence. Cowrie shells, the ancient Yoruba currency, cover most of the shrine and symbolize wealth; their presence gives honor and prestige to the owner. The top of the shrine is shaped like a bird’s head, which serves both as a celestial messenger and as a representative of Oshún, the goddess controller of destiny.

Joan Flores, Class of 2010

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=AC+2002.294.a%2Cb

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