Early 20th Century Yoruba Wood Divination Plate Nigeria

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The Yoruba divination plate, Opon Ifa, is a circular wooden tray used in Ifa divination, a spiritual practice of the … Read more The Yoruba divination plate, Opon Ifa, is a circular wooden tray used in Ifa divination, a spiritual practice of the Yoruba people in Nigeria. Carved with symbolic motifs representing deities and mythical figures, it serves as a sacred space for diviners (babalawo) to perform rituals. During divination, palm nuts or cowrie shells are thrown onto the Opon Ifa, and the patterns are interpreted based on the Ifa literary corpus, seeking guidance from the deity Orunmila. The plate, adorned with offerings, is treated with reverence and is both a practical tool and a spiritually significant object. Skilled artisans craft these plates, and there is a renewed interest in Ifa and Yoruba spirituality, increasing the demand for authentic Opon Ifa. Overall, it embodies the cultural heritage and wisdom of the Yoruba people.






Height (In) 14.0Width (In) 12.0Depth (In) 1.0152050 See less