Yoruba divination tray - Nigeria

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Dimitri André
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Selected by Dimitri André

Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.

Estimate  € 480 - € 530
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Yoruba divination tray (opon Ifa) from Nigeria, early 20th century, carved wood, 35 cm wide by 22 cm high by 1.5 cm deep, in good condition, provenance private collection.

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Description from the seller

magnificent Yoruba divination tray (known as opon Ifa), used in the Ifa oracle in Nigeria.
Function: Traditional priests (babalawo) use it to reveal fate when invoking the orisha Orunmila.
Iconography: The carved head represents the god Eshu, who presides over divination and acts as a messenger between humans and the gods.
Design: It is carved in wood with geometric motifs and symbolic figures around the edge.

Provenance: French private collection M.M.D, 1970

magnificent Yoruba divination tray (known as opon Ifa), used in the Ifa oracle in Nigeria.
Function: Traditional priests (babalawo) use it to reveal fate when invoking the orisha Orunmila.
Iconography: The carved head represents the god Eshu, who presides over divination and acts as a messenger between humans and the gods.
Design: It is carved in wood with geometric motifs and symbolic figures around the edge.

Provenance: French private collection M.M.D, 1970

Details

No. of items
1
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Period
Early 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Yoruba divination tray
Height
22 cm
Width
35 cm
Depth
1.5 cm
Provenance
Private collection
SpainVerified
1
Object sold
Private

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