About this artwork
Used by a male or female diviner, this tray features the image of Eshu, the divine mediator between the spirit and human realms. His face is framed by mothers kneeling to make offerings in bowls. A priest holding a staff below one of them refers to Osanyin, the deity of herbal medicine. The carved band of cowrie shells recalls the real shells that are cast onto the tray during a divination session.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 137
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Department
- Arts of Africa
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Culture
- Yoruba
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Artist
- Areogun of Osi-Ilorin
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Title
- Tray (Opon Ifa)
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Places
- Nigeria (Object made in), Africa (Object made in)
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Date
- 1930-1939
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Medium
- Wood and pigment
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Dimensions
- 5 × 45 cm (2 × 17 3/4 in.)
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Credit Line
- Laura T. Magnuson Endowment
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Reference Number
- 1999.289
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.