introduction BEGINNINGS: THE PHOEBE HEARST ERA (1902-1920) TRANSITION (1920-1945) EXPANSION (1945-1960) CULMINATION (1960-1980) The Americas Africa 01. Shango dance wand 02. Divination bowl, woman with chicken 03. Divination tray 04. Stool 05. Royal foot cushion, beaded 06. Colonial figurine: polo player 07. Crest mask 08. Painted drum 09. Double-face helmet mask 10. Cosmetics container, tortoise shell and ostrich eggshell beads 11. Woman's shawl, embroidered silk (detail) Asia Oceania and Australia RECENT YEARS (1980-2001) RECENT ACQUISITIONS Royal foot cushion, beaded Nigeria, Ife; Yoruba Collected by William R. Bascom, 1938, acc. 1992. 5-15503 Among the Yoruba, beadwork is a symbol of kingship, and thus placed on crowns, slippers, gowns, cushions, staffs, and umbrellas. When the king wears his crown he is imbued with the sacred power of the ancestors and his feet should not touch the ground. Raising a ruler's feet is an ancient Yoruba sign of respect and ritual separation. The Oni or king of Ife gave this cushion to Bascom during his doctoral fieldwork.