A divination cup with kneeling mother and child. Nigeria, Yoruba. 1st half 20th century. 9"h x 7 1/2"dia.
Provenance: Inventory and Collection from the Estate of Merton D. Simpson.
Catalog Notes: The Yoruba typically turn to a babalawo (diviner) when seeking advice or faced with an illness. An agere Ifa is a object that forms part of the divination ensemble. Along with a group of other objects, including palm nuts, the diviner evokes the god Orunmila. Also known as Ifa, the god represents knowledge and divination powers. The process of a diviner is as follows. Sixteen sacred palm nuts or Ikin are removed from a large bowl or Igede Ifa. They are then separated into small Agere Ida divination cups like this which are typically elevated by various carved figures. The nuts are then shaken to reveal the wisdom of Orunmila. The Odu, or remain pieces / verses are transfred onto a tray where the Babalawo reads the message from Orunmila and advises his client how to proceed with their problem. For a similar item see Soetheby's, New York, "The Balene McCormick Collection", May 16, 2013, lot 124.