Old and Authentic Yoruba Divination Tray NIGERIA Early 20th Century

  
Old and Authentic Yoruba Divination Tray - NIGERIA - Early 20th Century. An outstanding example of an old and authentic Divination Tray, from the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Expertly carved from one piece of wood, the edge decorated with raised, abstract figures including the face of Esu, a messenger to the Gods. Old collection number on back (133).

Beautiful, encrusted patina from years of tribal use! The outdoor photographs show the color, age and patina the best. Please examine photos carefully for condition. A classic example of African art!

The divination tray is the central instrument used by the diviner-priest in the complex Yoruba ritual of divination, whose purpose is making decisions, sacrifices, and seeking solutions to serious problems with the help of ancestors and gods. The priest places irosun powder over the tray and draws the tray into nine sections, with each section representing an ancient. He praises and honors each ancient before asking specific questions and casting pine nuts across the tray to seek answers. The large face on this tray represents an Esu, a messenger from the gods. See my other auctions for fine antiquities, Asian art and ethnographic curiosities from around the world.