Offered in this lot is a pair of Nigerian African Yoruba beaded totem sashes. These are brightly inventive and meticulously constructed. Sashes functioned as symbols of the owner's spiritual position and were worn in public ceremonies by Ifa priestesses. Beads and cowrie shells were signs of wealth and status. In addition to the Yoruba faces with vertical scarification on the cheeks, common themes include many types of animals and geometric patterns. The beading is done in glass seed trade beads and framed with Cowrie shells. The sashes start with a diamond design, then have the iconic faces with vertical scarification on the cheeks, then two animal totems, another face, and then another animal totem, ending with another set of diamonds. The sashes are backed with a thin cloth. The beading is tight with very few beads missing; just one Cowrie shell is missing. Overall, these two sashes are in very good condition and would make striking display pieces. These sashes measure 39" to 40" X 4 1/2".