People/Culture: Yoruba Region/Country: Nigeria Materials: Wood Dating: 1940s–1950s Dimensions: 35 x 23 cm Provenance: Ex-collection Alan Donovan, Los Angeles (USA) Condition: Age-consistent wear; soft “soapy” handling patina; traces of white pigment in recesses; minor nicks and abrasions; overall very good — see photos. Description Classic Ifa divination tray (opon Ifa) used by a babalawo. The smooth, shallow field would be dusted with wood powder to receive the marks made during divination; the rim carries a carved face of Èṣù (Esu), the pivotal messenger and guardian of the crossroads who oversees divination and conveys offerings to the orisa. The board shows a tactile soapy patina from prolonged ritual handling, with residual white pigment lodged in carved details—clear signs of liturgical use. Context Ifa divination invokes Òrúnmìlà, orisa of wisdom and destiny. The babalawo sprinkles fine powder on the tray’s surface, taps the board with the iroke Ifa to begin, casts sacred palm nuts and inscribes the resulting odù signs in the powder, guiding the verses and counsel to be recited. The visual refinement of divination tools is traditionally held to please Òrúnmìlà and potentiate efficacy. Highlights - Authentic opon Ifa with Èṣù head on the rim - Soft soapy patina; traces of white pigment indicative of use - 1940s–50s, ex-collection Alan Donovan (prominent promoter/collector of African arts)