Lot 122E
West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba, ca. early 20th century CE. A beautiful Yoruba divination vessel (agere ifa), a carved wood container used to store the sixteen sacred palm nuts (ikin), traditionally a special element used in the Yoruba divination ritual. Ifa priests have traditionally used such vessels to communicate with Orunmila, the god of fate, in hopes of attaining insights to an individual's destiny. This agere ifa is supported by avian caryatids, and the bowl itself shows a lovely rim incised with a stylized triangular pattern. All is adorned with natural pigments of red, yellow, and blue hues. The agere type vessel, which is used to hold and raise the ikin, has been compared to a miniature temple dedicated to Orunmila. The caryatids serving as the vessels base, in this example portrayed as a birds, have been known to take on a variety of forms including females, musicians, dancers, and equestrian figures. This particular piece is expertly carved, attractively painted, and so special, particularly if you are a bird lover! Size: 6" W x 4.75" H (15.2 cm x 12.1 cm)
Provenance: Ex- Nick Poolos collection, Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL acquired before 1975
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#113586
- Condition: Old but stable crack to the bowl and the base. Otherwise intact with expected surface wear commensurate with age and use.
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