Oba Ademuwagun Adesida II, the Deji (ruler) of Akure, in courtyard of Akure palace, Akure, Nigeria

Object Details

Local Numbers: C 2 YRB 12.1 EE 59
General: Citation source: Archives Staff.; Title is provided by EEPA staff based on photographer's notes.
Local Note: Time Life no. 58482 82; Frame value is 1.; Slide No. C 2 YRB 12.1 EE 59

Topic: Portraits; Leaders; Headdresses -- headgear -- Africa; Regalia; Beadwork; Animals in art; Animals in art -- Lions; Animals in art -- Birds; Clothing and dress -- Africa

See more items in: Eliot Elisofon Field collection; Eliot Elisofon Field collection / Nigeria

Archival Repository: Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art

Collection Citation: Eliot Elisofon Field Collection, EEPA 1973-001, Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution

Collection Rights: Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.

Bibliography: Web page entilted, "Exploring Africa: Africa in the Classroom," edited by Prita Meier and produced by the Michigan State University International Studies and African Studies department, 2001. http://exploringafrica.matrix.msu.edu/index.html LL02-0003

Scope and Contents: The photograph depicts Oba Ademuwagun Adesida II, the Deji of Akure, wearing the ade (crown), the principal symbol of the king's authority. "The conical beaded crown with veil symbolizes the inner spiritual head of the king and links him with all his royal ancestors who have joined the pantheon of gods." [Drewal H. J., Pemberton J., Rowland Abiodun, 1989: Yoruba. Nine Centuries of African Art and Thought, Harry N. Abrams Inc.]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for Life magazine and traveled to Africa from August 18, 1959 to December 20, 1959.

Collection Restrictions: Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.