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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Yoruba Beaded Works : Yoruba Beaded Leather Diviner's Bag
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Yoruba Beaded Leather Diviner's Bag - PF.5466
Origin: Soutwestern Nigeria
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
32.5" (82.6cm) high
x 15" (38.1cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Beads and Leather
$6,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
The fine beaded work on the front flap depicts
two nearly identical faces on the upper portion.
Light blue beads provide the background, with
red noses, three vertical lines of red scarification
on each cheek, and white eyes with black
centers. These faces are abstract
representations of the deity or deities whom the
diviner serves. At the bottom are three
chameleons in aqua beads with red eyes.
Chameleons are symbols of cleverness and
admired for their ability to change themselves to
suit the surroundings. Yoruba diviners, including
the priests of Ifa, are among the few people
permitted to use beaded objects, a privilege
reserved primarily for kings. Within the bag (apo
ifa), the diviner carries essential tools of his
trade, including a divining chain (opele ifa) and
palm nuts, which he uses to communicate with
spirits in order to advise his
patients/supplicants. The power and beauty of
this bag attests to the skills of both the diviner
and the artist who created the lovely beaded
images.
- (PF.5466)
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