Yoruba Ifá Divination Tray

Yoruba Opon Ifa tray, 43 cm in diameter, wood, mid-20^th century, formerly in the J.M. Stouffs collection (Toulouse region).

In Yoruba culture, the tray known as “Opon Ifa” is used as a writing surface by the babalawo, the priest associated with Ifa, the orisha (deity) of divination. The babalawo spreads kaolin powder on the flat surface of the tray. He draws his oracles and then sketches combinations of symbols on the tray, which will form the basis for an interpretive reading based on the question asked. This tray is particularly rich in decorations and symbols characteristic of the Yoruba sculptural style. It features the central figure of Eshu, the orisha who acts as a mediator, a frieze of birds (the messengers), depictions of couples, horsemen, and priestesses and priests of the orisha Shango, who is particularly popular in Yoruba art. The object has a very beautiful patina from use and is of considerable age, certainly dating back to the mid-20^th century. It is authentic and has not undergone any restoration.