Western Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A wonderful, hand-carved wooden divination bowl (called an "agere ifa") used to store the sixteen sacred palm nuts (ikim) traditionally used as a special element in the Yoruba divination ritual. Priests have traditionally used such vessels to communicate with Orunmila, the god of fate, in hopes of attaining insights to an individual's destiny. This "agere ifa" is supported by a prone anthropomorphic figure, head raised up to reveal a finely-detailed face, atop an integral ovoid platform. The bowl above is shallow, with two projecting rectangular elements on either side, and carved geometric motifs lining the rim. Remnants of the original red, indigo, and white pigments are still visible. Size: 7.875" L x 7.25" W x 6.75" H (20 cm x 18.4 cm x 17.1 cm).

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA Collection

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#132166

Age-commensurate surface wear, light adhesive residue on face of figure though no repairs are visible. Small chips across most surfaces, cracks to bowl, base, and side of figure, fading to carved details and pigmentation, and inactive insect damage beneath base, otherwise intact and very good. Nice earthen deposits throughout.