Adé orí la fi n mọ Ọba (The Crown Defines the King)

Artwork story

This sculptural bust portrays a Yoruba king adorned with the sacred crown (Adé) and strings of royal beads (Ileke) while the bird atop it symbolizes divine guidance. In Yoruba culture, the crown is more than a royal ornament it is a spiritual emblem that embodies the king’s divine authority, ancestral connection, and responsibility as the custodian of tradition. Through this work, the essence of Yoruba kingship is celebrated, emphasizing that the Adé is not just a mark of power but the true symbol that defines identity, legitimacy, and the sacred role of the Ọba in society.

This work reflects my ongoing dialogue with Yoruba heritage celebrating how traditions, symbols, and materials embody timeless truths about leadership and responsibility. The piece is a reminder that in Yoruba culture, it is the Adé tthe sacred crown that truly defines and legitimizes the king.