Unknown
Opon Ifa (Ifa Divination Tray)1920-1930

On view:

Geffen Galleries, The Power of Objects in West and Central Africa

Artist or Maker: Unknown
Title: Opon Ifa (Ifa Divination Tray)
Culture: Yoruba artist
Place Made: Africa, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Keta area
Date Made: 1920-1930
Medium: Wood with traces of white and blue pigment
Dimensions: 9/16 x 10 3/4 x 13 3/4 in. (1.4288 x 27.305 x 34.925 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey S. Hammer
Accession Number: AC1993.220.6
Classification: Furnishings
Collecting Area: African Art
Curatorial Notes: The Ifa divination system offers guidance to members of Yoruba societies both in Nigeria and Afro-American religions such as Santería and Candomblé. A diviner known as a babalawo uses a wood tray with powder to mark the patterns of thrown palm nuts or a chain, providing configurations for interpretation. The diviner identifies one of 256 patterns associated with a specific verse, then chants the verse to participants to consider in the context of their personal need for guidance. Round, rectangular, or oval wood trays are often carved with the face of Eshu, the mediator between the human world and the spiritual realm. Considered a divine being (orisha) by the Yoruba, Eshu provides access to other deities and is associated with communication and protection. In addition to the central image of Eshu, the border of this tray bears two alternating patterns, likely imitating forms of woven matting.

On view:

Geffen Galleries, The Power of Objects in West and Central Africa

Artist or Maker: Unknown
Title: Opon Ifa (Ifa Divination Tray)
Culture: Yoruba artist
Place Made: Africa, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Keta area
Date Made: 1920-1930
Medium: Wood with traces of white and blue pigment
Dimensions: 9/16 x 10 3/4 x 13 3/4 in. (1.4288 x 27.305 x 34.925 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey S. Hammer
Accession Number: AC1993.220.6
Classification: Furnishings
Collecting Area: African Art
Curatorial Notes: The Ifa divination system offers guidance to members of Yoruba societies both in Nigeria and Afro-American religions such as Santería and Candomblé. A diviner known as a babalawo uses a wood tray with powder to mark the patterns of thrown palm nuts or a chain, providing configurations for interpretation. The diviner identifies one of 256 patterns associated with a specific verse, then chants the verse to participants to consider in the context of their personal need for guidance. Round, rectangular, or oval wood trays are often carved with the face of Eshu, the mediator between the human world and the spiritual realm. Considered a divine being (orisha) by the Yoruba, Eshu provides access to other deities and is associated with communication and protection. In addition to the central image of Eshu, the border of this tray bears two alternating patterns, likely imitating forms of woven matting.