A Yoruba "Apa Ifa" diviner's beaded leather and cloth bag
Early/mid-20th Century, Yoruba Peoples, Nigeria, Africa
The shadowbox-framed bag with three beaded mask motifs, two red and one yellow and black chevron-patterned, each representing various deities, on the front flap; all framed by a green beaded ground and floral and geometric motifs in red and yellow beads, terminating in three yellow beaded tassels
In frame: 18.625" H x 19.25" W x 5" D
Provenance: Property of the American Broadcasting Company, New York
Walt Disney Co., Burbank, California, acquired by corporate merger with the above
Private Collection, Los Angeles, California, acquired from the above

Other Notes: A Yoruba diviner (babalawo) would have carried this beaded leather bag to transport divining implements during his travels. The bag is used by a diviner to carry the set of sixteen palm nuts (ikin), the divining chain (opele), and other ritual accessories. In fact, diviners, who lead a peripatetic lifestyle, are commonly known as "carriers of bags" (akapo). This bag's beadwork calls upon many different deities for protection: green and yellow beads refer to Ifa (the Yoruba system of divination); red faces to the god Ogun; and a chevron pattern to the god Sango. The floral pattern, however, marks the influence of Victorian textiles - present during the period of British colonialism - on Yoruba design.

Overall good condition with dust accumulation commensurate with age and use. Structurally good condition. One area of leather is lost on the top of the bag/front flap. Very few bead losses throughout. Carrying strap appears intact, but tucked into the bag inside of the frame. Not examined out of frame. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.