This is the rating and price for Early 20Th C. Nigerian Yoruba Wood Divination Tray, 1970

Description : West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A fantastic, hand-carved, round tray, with a flat center and a ring of raised iconography around the edge. The top of this ring is carved with a face of Eshu, the messenger of Ifa and other spirits, here depicted with huge eyes, a triangular nose, scarifications on the cheeks, a smiling mouth, and striated motifs over the visage to perhaps represent a headdress. Radiating outward from the face of Eshu are a variety of striated, abstract geometric forms. Size: 14.5 diameter (36.8 cm) This divination tray, sometimes called an Opon Ifa, is used both in Yoruba culture, like this example, and in African-American religions derived from Yoruba practice. The Babalawo, the diviner, uses it to communicate with spirits, alongside a stick called a tapper to call for Ifa and Eshu. He will spread cassava flour on the tray, and, using palm nuts, make predictions and recommendations. See similar examples at the Art Institute of Chicago (Arts of Africa and the Americas, Gallery 137) and the Dallas Museum of Art (2005.84). Provenance: ex private St. Petersburg, Florida USA collection, ex New England private collection, 1970s All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #158276
Price: 435.75 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 700 USD-1100 USD It's free to register now to view!

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