This is a very rare and fascinating old Yoruba Opon Ifa Divination tray , weathered brown patina and decorated with the faces of Eshu, the Yoruba \"Trickster \"deity, and with stylized scorpions, lizards and tortoise like forms and geometric designs along the edges of the tray. Inside this sacred vessel is a circular compartment, showing wear and use.This divination board (Opon Ifa) has of age and ritual use, it is in an oval shape and carved with a prominent face to the top of the outer rim. The face represents Eshu, the messenger deity who acts as a medium between the human and spirit realms, specifically to Ifa, the god of divination. Its eyes are bulgy, almond-shaped and half-closed. Three vertical scars appear on each cheek. The lips are unusually fine. Overall, the face has a very serene expression.The center of the board is depressed to accommodate the various sacred materials used in the divination process. This divination board has a dark, deep patina and signs of use. The back of the board is heavily eroded. Glossy patination is evident to sections of the erosion, further suggesting actual age and field use.Divination trays were used to predict events and to seek advice. Orunmila is the spirit of wisdom and divinity of destiny and prophecy in Yoruba mythology. Ifa divination was a means to transcribe Orunmila’s wisdom. Eshu acts as a medium between the human and spirit realms. Eshu delivers knowledge and guidance in times of trouble, regardless of the other deities a person may worship. During the divination ritual, a priest called a Babalawo \"the father of ancient wisdom\" would sprinkle pulverised wood or yam flour onto the depressed central area of the divination board and tap rhythmically on it with a tapper (Iroke Ifa) to invoke the presence of Orunmila.Measures 17 inches wide Ex Lowell Collins Collection, Houston , Texas

Fair, well handled