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Dimitri André

Title

Ifá Divination Board (Opon Ifá) with Bird Motif – Yoruba – Nigeria

Description

Circular wooden Ifá divination board (Opon Ifá) carved in relief with a central bird motif surrounded by smaller symbolic elements arranged along the perimeter. The bird, a recurring symbol in Yoruba cosmology, is associated with spiritual mediation and communication in the Ifá divination system.

The surface shows a well-developed patina with visible signs of age and use, including abrasion, smoothing, and minor surface wear consistent with ritual handling. The reverse is plain and flat, characteristic of divination boards intended for placement during consultation.

Boards of this type are traditionally used by Yoruba Ifá priests (babalawo) during divination rituals, where sacred signs are traced onto the surface using divination powder. Attribution is made based on stylistic and functional characteristics.

Material

Wood

Origin

Nigeria, Yoruba culture

Period

20th century (estimated)

Condition

Good condition considering age and use
– Strong patina
– Minor surface wear and small edge nicks
– No structural cracks
– No modern repairs observed

Provenance

Private European collection

Above is a description made by Chatgpt.


Mid 20th century - Wood - Good condition

Nigeria  (No reserve price)

African & Tribal Art

Reserve price

No reserve price

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Closing date

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tomorrow

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Location

Belgium

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Germany

Italy

Spain

Portugal

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Cyprus

Malta

Türkiye

Size

S (10–40 cm)

M (40–80 cm)

L (over 80 cm)

XS (under 10 cm)

Dimensions

Height

Width

Depth

Object

Tribal art and objects

Tribal masks

Tribal sculptures statues carvings and figurines

Tribal currency

Figure

Sculpture

Tribal jewellery and adornments

Tribal textiles and clothing

Dance mask

Textile

Mask

Fetish figure

Bead

Giclée

Print

Comb

Headrest

Vase

Necklace

Statue

Spoon

Dagger

Ancient jewellery and beads

Book

Country of origin

DR Congo

Mali

Nigeria

Congo

Côte d'Ivoire

Gabon

Ghana

Cameroon

Burkina Faso

Côte d’Ivoire

Africa

Tanzania

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Benin

Niger

South Africa

Ethiopia

Senegal

Mauritania

Angola

Togo

Netherlands

Algeria

Material

Wood

Bronze

Glass

Patinated bronze

Terracotta

Iron (wrought)

Brass

Leather

Metal

Copper

Stone

Cotton

A lustro (ceramic)

Bone

Textiles

Silver

Iron (cast/wrought)

Aluminium

Bakelite

Horn

Wool

Iron

Paper

Shell

Gender

Unisex

Condition

Good condition

Fair condition

Excellent condition

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Good

Needs restoration

Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

Good condition - used with some signs of wear

As new - unused

Fair

Very good condition - slightly used with small signs of wear

Overall in good condition

Fair condition -  heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing

Very good condition, see description

Good condition, see description

Ungraded

Minor damage

Fine

Excellent

Overall in good condition with traces of ageing and usage

Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear

Fair condition - used with visible signs of wear

Good condition, used with some signs of wear

Period

Late 20th century

2000-2010

Mid 20th century

1930-1940

1940-1950

1950-1960

1920-1930

2020+

1990-2000

1960-1970

Early 20th century

1970-1980

1980-1990

1910-1920

1850-1900

1900-1910

2010-2020

Mid 19th century

Early 18th century

20th century

Late 19th century

21st century

Certification

No laboratory report

Subject

Anthropology

Portrait

Pop Culture

Religion

Style

Modern

Antique

Contemporary

Folk Art

Post-medieval

Art Deco

Realism

Pop Art

Technique

Digital print

Mixed technique

Signature

Not signed

African & Tribal Art

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