Yoruba Ceremonial Hat, Nigeria

A beaded bird perches at the center of a pale shield, ringed by small round knobs like a halo of pearls.

This ceremonial hat is Yoruba, from Nigeria, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Beaded headdresses with bird figures and fringed veils are widely associated with Yoruba kingship and high office, the birds often read as a sign of spiritual power. The broad, rounded crest is covered entirely in small white beads. A beaded bird with spread wings sits at its center, and a dozen beaded balls border the edge. Below a twisted band, long strands of white beads hang down as a veil. It is 26 inches high, 12 wide and 8 deep.

All in white, and dignified to the last bead.