“The diadem of the Wunmojie king with striated facial marks displays a rosette pattern surmounted by a pointed plume, this motif resting atop a concentric circle.
[…]
Number symbolism in diadem and other forms is important in these and other ancient Ife art works serving to mark grade and status. According to Ife Obatala Chief Adelekan, eight-petal rosettes are associated with higher Obatala grades. That the Wunmonije king figure wears an eight-petal rosette, while the Aroye vessel and Olokun head incorporate sixteen-petal forms is based on power difference. Eight is the highest number accorded humans, suggests Chief Adelekan, whereas sixteen is used for gods.”
-Art in Ancient Ife, Birthplace of the Yoruba, by Suzanne Preston Blier
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