Producer unknown to us
Crown
Americas, Brasil
Around 2000
Synthetic material, cowrie shells, metal, glued
Elisabeth Maria Thiele (ethnologist)
Purchased by the museum from Thiele in 2003
SAm 24378 a
The crown is part of a costume worn by a performer portraying the goddess Oxum. Oxum is the Brazilian name for the orisha Oshun, whose origins lie in the cosmology of the Yoruba of West Africa. According to a myth, Oshun was originally the only female of the 17 deities sent to earth by Olodumare, the creator of the universe, to create life. All the male deities failed in their attempt to create life, and it was only with Oshun's help that the undertaking succeeded.
Due to the enslavement of large numbers of people from the African continent in the 18th and 19th centuries, Yoruba beliefs also spread to South America. Oshun is also considered to be one of the most powerful orishas there, she is worshiped as the goddess of beauty and fresh water, and is often depicted wrapped in yellow. Because of her power, she is a strong female role model for many people. For example, since 2016, the singer Beyoncé has also repeatedly referenced Oshun in her songs, music videos, and stage shows.
The costume was sold to the museum in 2003 by the ethnologist Elisabeth Maria Thiele.
Stefanie Bach