FON royal crown from Republic of Benin

From the reign of King GLELE, 1858 to 1889.

While the style of this crown is distinctly Yorùbá , the tradition crowns in this area is set to date back to the beginning of the Dynasty.

The Priestley head, DAHO, also wears such a crown, as do high-ranking members of the royal AGASU priesthood.

It’s somewhat similar beaded crown, now in a private collection in France, once belonged to King GBEHANZIN, 1889 to 1894.

Crowns of this sort appear to have been rarely worn in public, for early descriptions or illustrations of the kings do not mention them.

Photo credit: MUSEE DE L‘HOMME, Paris. 1975

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