Crown of a Yoruba sovereign
For the sovereigns of the Yoruba people (West Africa), crowns decorated with red coral, brown/red agate or jasper – such as the Ade Eru or “danger-crown” of the Okuku dynasty – were sometimes reserved for wearing in time of war. Because of the conspicuous colour, not only was it then fairly easy to recognise the king as leader, but according to tradition he was thus also protected against arrows and bullets!
Crown of a Yoruba sovereign, 1st half of 20th century (jasper, carnelian, fabric)
