Yoruba Cup

Carved from hardwood with a superb ancient patina, this Yoruba divination cup (agere Ifa) depicts a kneeling woman gracefully balancing a hemispherical receptacle on her head. A child is tenderly carried on her back. The face, sculpted according to classic Yoruba aesthetic canons, is distinguished by its soft modeling and delicate scarifications. The nobility of the posture, combined with the presence of the child and the offered cup, powerfully evokes themes of fertility and ritual transmission to the deities.

Known as agere Ifa, these prestige cups were used by diviner priests (babalawo) during divination rituals to hold the sacred palm nuts (ikin) and ritual instruments. The maternal figure, an allegory of fertility, reinforces the protective and nurturing aspects of this profoundly spiritual work.

Furthermore, this piece boasts a highly prominent historical provenance, originating from Pierre Vérité's renowned Galerie Carrefour.

Date
Late 19th century.

Provenance
Former Pierre Vérité Collection (Galerie Carrefour, Paris).
Marc and Michèle Saporta Collection (acquired February 1, 1971).
An original certificate drawn up by Pierre Vérité, along with provenance documents, will be provided to the purchaser.

Condition
Beautiful patina of use, one restoration.

Dimensions
Height: 25 cm.