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AuctionsA Lifetime of Discovery IIILot 129

Lot 129

Yoruba Ile Ori Shrine Container, Nigeria

Estimate$400–$800

Offered in A Lifetime of Discovery III · Sunday, November 1, 2026, To be announced

A Yoruba ile ori, or "house of the head," ritual shrine container from Nigeria, densely covered with cowrie shells and enclosing a raised inner shrine form. Such containers were made to protect an ibori, the personal shrine associated with an individual's ori, or spiritual destiny. The extensive cowrie decoration reflects associations with wealth, status and spiritual potency.

Provenance
Property from an important private collection, assembled by a dealer and collector over more than six decades.
Condition
Age-related wear, soiling, scattered shell losses and wear to the textile and leather construction. Please refer to photographs.

Estimates are opinions of value, given as a guide.