West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden divination board of a rectangular form with a shallow recessed area on both sides. Both sides also present a raised border, with one of these adorned by two abstract faces that are representative of the Orisha named Eshu, one of the pseudonyms for Eleggua, the proverbial messenger for all other Orishas. The center of the board is recessed to receive various sacred materials used during the divination process. A wonderful example with a warm age patina. Size: 15.5" W x 13.625" H (39.4 cm x 34.6 cm); 17.75" H (45.1 cm) on included custom stand.
During the divination ritual, a highly trained priest known as a Babalawo, which translates to "the father of ancient wisdom", sprinkles pulverized wood or yam flour onto the depressed central area of the board and then rhythmically taps the board with a tapper (Iroke Ifa) to invoke the presence of Orunmila, the Yoruban spirit of wisdom and divinity of prophesy and destiny. The divination process is a means of evoking Orunmila's wisdom.
Provenance: private Glendale, Arizona, USA collection, collected from 1970 to 2000
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.
#152415
Condition
A few age cracks. Expected surface wear with scuffs, chips, and abraded areas as shown. Inactive insect wear on the border - to the far left of the faces. Minor stain on recessed area of side without maskettes. Relief maskettes of Eshu are still vivid. Perforations at the top of one maskette presumably for suspension or attaching ornaments.