Oracle board "opon ifa" ·  Nigéria, Yoruba · ID: 3033886

Description

wood, partly encrusted brown patina, the raised rim carved with figural motifs, min. dam., slightly distorted, missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks;
the flat “ifa” trays always show a mask face at the rim, associated with “eshu”, who is looked upon as messenger of the deities, and who could not be ignored when asking the oracle. By using an elaborate carved tray, the priest honours “orunmila” the deity, to whom the appeal for prophecy is directed. The “ifa” figures, lateron used for soothsaying, were marked with wood flour “iyerosun” (produced by termites) spread on the tray.