The word "Yoruba" describes both a language and a tribe which lives across Nigeria and the Popular Republic of Benin, in an area of forest and savannah. Their origins can be traced back to the end of the first millennium. The enormous scale of the slave trade in Nigeria contributed to the diaspora of the Yoruba people and informed the spiritual practices of people in countries such as Haiti, Cuba, and Brazil. Yoruba beaded crowns were worn by the king and his courtiers and were often given as presents to important visitors. The sacred power of the Oba (leader) and his divine status are expressed not only by the vitality of the design of beaded crowns, but also by the veil of beads that serves to separate the king from the world of mortals. Ref.: Bacquart Ref.: Robbins/Nooter