Circular tray with carved relief around perimeter; various images: fish, crocodile, figure; pigment and patina.

Images(4)

Divination Tray (opon ifa)

Maker Yoruba Artist

Dateundated

Place of originNigeria, Africa

MediumWood with pigment and patina

Dimensions1 1/8 x 16 5/8 x 16 1/2 in. (2.9 x 42.2 x 41.9 cm)

ClassificationsFurnishings and Equipment

Credit LineGift of Rod McGalliard

Object number1995.28.9

Collections

AFRICAN

Visual DescriptionCircular tray with carved relief around perimeter; various images: fish, crocodile, figure; pigment and patina.

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Of circular form, with a finely carved perimeter relief band including "Inner Head," complex figures, birds and other devices, pigment, and a fine patina.

Divination Tray (opan ifa)

Yoruba Artist

20th century

Round disk with relief carving on slightly raised perimeter. A hollow circle carved in the back. 16 carvings consist of 4 faces at cardinal points, with figures between them that are flanked by concentric circles. Traces of white pigment and patina visible on carved edge; powdered substance on top.

Tray for Ifá Divination (opon Ifá)

Olowe of Ise

after 1938

Carved caryatid support in the form of a kneeling maternity figure holding a child on her back; the child's head is turned to the side; mound base; hemispherical bowl carved on the rim with geometric design; dark patina.

Divination Cup (agere ifa) or (arugba ifa)

Yoruba Artist

20th century

A round, carved wooden container with a lid, resting on a cutout base carved with figured. The surface of the lid features raised relief carvings of numerous human figures in various poses, including one on a bicycle.

Divination bowl (opon igede)

Yoruba Artist

20th century

A carved wooden cup featuring a shallow bowl with a geometrically patterned rim. Two carved birds and curved outer pillars support the bowl, all resting on a flat, circular base with a visible crack.

Divination Cup (agere ifa)

Yoruba Artist

20th century

Vessel with kneeling female figure with hands held to the sides of a large lidded vessel in the form of a chicken; carved with a shallow base; scarifications; plaited coiffure; pigment and patina.

Offering Vessel

Yoruba Artist

undated

carved with geometric forms; patina; with multi-colored beadwork sheath and upper covering; head, animal and geometric designs

Divination Tapper (iroke ifa)

Yoruba Artist

20th century

Divination Bowl (opon igede)

Yoruba Artist

early 20th century

Bulky helmet mask with carved teeth, long curving horns, bulbous eyes, and decorated with red and black pigments and encrustation.

Helmet Mask (egungun)

Yoruba Artist

undated

In the form of a standing female figure, on a fragment and supporting a bowl on the head, with perimeter of a large carved necklace, and pigments.

Vessel for Shango (arugba)

Yoruba Artist

20th century

Relief carved wood with interlace, chief figure, horse, crocodile, mudfish and buffalo motifs.

Altarpiece (oju' po)

Yoruba Artist

early 20th century

Head with cheek and forehead scarifications; tall and long downward curving side plait; fabric; shell and coins; pigments

Ancestor Headdress (ere egungun olode)

Yoruba Artist

undated