Divination Tray (Opon Ifa)

Yoruba people, Nigeria, African

20th century

  • Titles Divination Tray (Opon Ifa) (Descriptive)
  • Medium wood
  • Dimensions 1 x 14 1/4 in. Diam. (2.5 x 36.2 cm)
  • Credit Line Gift of Barry and Toby Hecht, 1988.125
  • Work Type divination tray
  • Classification Ceremonial Objects

See More of the Collection

Bracelet, African, iron
Helmet mask with female face has glossy, black surface, elaborate plaited coiffure, band of horizontal marks on forehead, slitted eyes, bulging rings around neck, and black raffia fringe attached to base.
Vertical iron pole with six iron currency objects attached at top; three objects are iron hoe-blade currencies, and three are possibly rattles, hoe-shaped but open in center and with an enclosed portion that could have held percussive elements Function: Currency staffs constitute a display of wealth; if it is Fulani, it would have been owned by settled Fulani rather than nomadic herders.
Round, dark brown vessel with glossy surface has short, curved rim. Three parallel incised lines mark shoulder, which has four pairs of upturned knob handles.