Yoruba Beaded Diviner's Bag - Nigeria - Akapo - Apo Ifa

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Yoruba Beaded Diviner's Bag - Nigeria - Akapo - Apo Ifa

This is a Yoruba beaded diviner's. Diviners use these … Read more Yoruba Beaded Diviner's Bag - Nigeria - Akapo - Apo Ifa

This is a Yoruba beaded diviner's. Diviners use these bags to hold the tools (such as shells, animal bones, palm nuts) essential for the divination process. The bead designs had meaning.

Likely on this bag the face figure symbolizes Eshu, a messenger spirit to the ancestors. The two lizards, because they can regenerate their tails, symbolize rebirth, renewal and healing.

This elongated semi-circular bag is probably made of cotton with beading on front side only. The beading is raised on the face or mask figure. Completely hand stitched. Stiff items, perhaps cardboard, between layers. Fold over design with a pocket inside. Measures about 9" × 9" when folded. I see no bead loss on the bag, a few beads missing on the strap. The fabric is quite worn and dingy.

Apo Ifa - the diviner's bag
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