Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A hand-carved, round tray, with a flat center and a ring of raised iconography around the edge. The top of this ring is carved with a face of Eshu, the messenger of Ifa and other spirits, here depicted with huge eyes, a squat nose, and a puffy brow. Surrounding the visage are panels of parallel and zigzagging striations. This divination tray, sometimes called an Opon Ifa, is used both in Yoruba culture, like this example, and in African-American religions derived from Yoruba practice. The Babalawo, the diviner, uses it to communicate with spirits, alongside a stick called a tapper to call for Ifa and Eshu. He will spread cassava flour on the tray, and, using palm nuts, make predictions and recommendations. Size: 12" W (30.5 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Ursula Heijs-Voorhuis collection, Sint Agatha, Netherlands

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#178890

  • Condition: Minor abrasions, with small chips along exterior edge, and softening to some incised linear motifs, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout. Previous inventory label on verso.

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June 1, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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