Yoruba Beaded Diviners Bag Nigeria
Width: 11.0
Depth: 11.0
Description
The rectangular bag crafted from fabric adorned with beads, cowry shells, and wire on one side showcases intricate designs of lozenges and triangles. Its center boasts a square pattern housing cowry shells and a bundle of amulets reminiscent of those found on hunter's tunics.
Known as Apo Ifa among the Babalowo (diviners), these beaded bags serve as vessels for the diviner's chains or cowry shells used in interpretations. In Yoruba culture, Ifa divination holds great significance, guiding actions and elucidating misfortunes. Colors and geometric patterns bear deep symbolic meaning among the Yoruba people of Nigeria. The art of beadwork is sacred to the Ife diviners, akin to the role of a priest in their society.
147637
Approximate Age: Early 20th Century
People: ["Yoruba"]
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.