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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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tomorrow

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France

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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

Figure

Sculpture

Tribal currency

Painting

Tribal textiles and clothing

Dance mask

Tribal jewellery and adornments

Mask

Fetish figure

Book

Textile

Bead

Giclée

Tribal mask

Print

Decorative ornament

Comb

Headrest

Vase

Stool

Bracelet

Necklace

Country of origin

DR Congo

Nigeria

Mali

Côte d'Ivoire

Congo

Ghana

Côte d’Ivoire

Burkina Faso

Gabon

Cameroon

Benin

Togo

Africa

Tanzania

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Niger

South Africa

Angola

Haiti

Ethiopia

Senegal

Mauritania

Material

Wood

Bronze

Terracotta

Glass

Patinated bronze

Iron (wrought)

Brass

Copper

Stone

Leather

Metal

Bone

Iron

Textiles

Cotton

A lustro (ceramic)

Aluminium

Silver

Bakelite

Iron (cast/wrought)

Paper

Shell

Ceramic

Horn

Gender

Unisex

Condition

Good condition

Fair condition

Excellent condition

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Fair condition -  heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Good

Good condition - used with some signs of wear

Needs restoration

Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

As new - unused

Fair

Very good condition - slightly used with small signs of wear

Overall in good condition

Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear

Very good condition, see description

Good condition, see description

Ungraded

Minor damage

As new

Fine

Excellent

Overall in good condition with traces of ageing and usage

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

2020+

1950-1960

1920-1930

1970-1980

Early 20th century

1960-1970

1990-2000

2010-2020

1850-1900

1980-1990

Late 19th century

1910-1920

1900-1910

1800-1850

Mid 19th century

Early 18th century

20th century

1500-1550

21st century

Early 17th century

Certification

No laboratory report

Subject

Anthropology

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Male figures

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Style

Contemporary

Naive Art

African & Tribal Art

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