This traditional armchair from Nigeria features colorful Yoruba beadwork. In Yoruba tradition, the belief was that pearls reinforced spiritual powers and communication with the gods. It was the kings, mystiques and priests who were the privileged few who had the right to posses pearl bearing objects. The 19th century gave way to a new decorative interpretation of this tradition, resulting in colorful pieces of furniture, such as this intricately beaded armchair, displaying highly skilled and detailed work.