Lot 43A
West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba culture, ca. 1900 CE. Richly adorned with symbolic imagery, this wooden Ifa divination tray (Opon Ifa) features a rectangular form and a raised relief-carved border surmounted by two human heads, likely representing honored ancestors called upon during the ritual process. These carved faces gaze outward toward the diviner, serving as spiritual witnesses and intermediaries between the living and the unseen realm. In Yoruba tradition, the diviner (babalawo) plays a central role as mediator between the gods, ancestors, spirits, and humankind. Ifa divination is performed by manipulating sixteen sacred palm nuts, whose resulting patterns are interpreted by the babalawo and marked into a thin layer of powdered wood or other fine dust spread across the tray's surface. Size: 13.4" L x 9" W (34 cm x 22.9 cm); 11" H (27.9 cm) on included custom stand.
The borders geometric and textured motifs frame the smooth central panel where inscriptions are made, while the paired heads at the top connect the practice of divination to both human lineage and divine authority. Their placement may also relate to Esu, the divine messenger and guardian of ritual communication. Positioned opposite the diviner during consultation, this area becomes the focal point of the process.
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired in 2010 via descent; ex-private collection of Ralph T. Coe, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired in April 18, 1999; ex-Frankly Scarlet, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA
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#196394
- Condition: Chipping to lower right and nicks to raised areas and edges. Otherwise, good presentation with nice remaining detail and rich patina to surface. Traces of blue pigment in areas.
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