** A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this artwork will be donated to the Anthony Quinn Foundation, whose mission is to advocate for the important role arts education plays in personal development and in the overall improvement of social, economic and cultural systems. Learn more at aqfoundation.org **

West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden divination board of a rectangular form that has slightly concave peripheries, pointed corners, and a convex face. The borders are incised with intricate linear and zigzagging motifs that culminate with a stylized maskette at the top. The maskette displays a stylized visage - representing the Orisha named Eshu - bearing almond-shaped eyes beneath an elongated brow, a prominent nose, and a straight mouth. Liberal remains of creamy white pigment adorn the incised border. Size: 15.4" L x 8" W (39.1 cm x 20.3 cm)

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 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. In 2005, UNESCO added the Yoruba divination system to its list of "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity."

Provenance: ex-private collection of actor Anthony Quinn and his wife Katherine, Bristol, Rhode Island, USA acquired prior to 2000

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#169191

Stable fissure to right side. Expected nicks and abrasions throughout, commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, excellent with liberal remains of pigments and nice patina.