Object Name: Beaded foot cushion
Place of Origin: Nigeria
Cultural Group: Yoruba peoples
Materials Used: Leather, cloth, burlap, glass beads, plant material, thread
Dimensions: H: 21 cm, Diam: 34 cm (H: 8.2 in, Diam: 13.3 in)
Credit Line and Accession Number: Fowler Museum at UCLA. Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Hammer. X91.16438

This foot cushion is from the same workshop as FMCH X92.177. An interlace variation is surrounded by European floral and decorative motifs that my come from Victorian carpet, wallpaper, or furniture prototypes. At the side, faces with forehead diamonds, prominent eyes, face marks and the grimace of bared teeth alternate with flowers, stems, and leaves, which are signs of healing empowerment. Beaded foot cushions used by ruler of Ota the Olota, are quite similar.

Source: Drewal, H., Mason, J. (1998). “Beads, Body, and Soul – Art and Light in the Yoruba Universe”, Los Angeles: UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History. page 217