Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A wonderful carved wood divination tapper, the majority of its handle comprised of a standing female figure. Her arms rest at her sides and a large carved piece of wood extends from her head to a point; this is the functional part of the "tapper." The Yoruba people, who live mostly in modern-day Nigeria, have a cosmology so complex that scholars sometimes compare them to the ancient Greeks. Divination is an important aspect of their religion and, when faced with difficulties or seeking advise, they often turn to a diviner (or babalawo) to consult the gods. One of the main divination objects is the tapper, the "iroke ifa;" the babalawo will tap this object against a special tray to draw the attention of the god Ifa, who is associated with wisdom and knowledge. Size: 11.75" H (29.8 cm); 12.375" H (31.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-Nick Poolos collection, Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA acquired before 1970

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#113808

  • Condition: Age-commensurate surface wear, fading and wear to features of female figure, and a few lengthy hairline fissures, otherwise intact and very good. Nice earthen deposits and dark-brown patina throughout.

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January 18, 2018 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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