Divination box, opon iged, Ifa, Yoruba, Nigeria - Lot 46

Divination box, opon iged, Ifa, Yoruba, Nigeria Light wood, graying brown patina Height : 32 cm - Width 38 cm Provenance: French private collection ---- Divination box, opon iged, Ifa, Yoruba, Nigeria Light wood, refreshing brown patina Height: 32 cm - Width 38 cm Provenance: French collection Within the opon igede ifa corpus, this divination box stands out for its finely worked champlevé carving. The figurative decorations traditionally associated with this type of object often depict the faces of the divine messenger Èṣù, or the omniscient orisha of divination, Ọ̀rúnmìlà. The iconography of these cups is always linked to divination; here, the interlacing motifs can be assimilated, as Babatunde Lawal and Constantine Petridis mention, to "the representation of the complexity of the existential process in the denouement of which Ọ̀rúnmìlà helps humanity." (in Visions d'Afrique Yoruba, Editions Cinq Continents, 2012). Opon igede ifa cups were one of the ritual accessories of the Ifá priest, known as babaláwo ("Father of ancient wisdom"). The compartmentalized interior was used to store sacred elements and substances such as charcoal, red powder, clay and the famous ikín palm nuts. The remarkable workmanship reveals a finely honed quest for ornament. The precision and delicacy of the decoration reflect not only perfect technical mastery, but also an assertive aesthetic intent, giving this divinatory box a profound spiritual significance, reflecting Ọ̀rúnmìlà's esoteric knowledge. --- This divination box stands out within the corpus of Opon Igede Ifa for its finely crafted champlevé decoration. The figurative motifs traditionally associated with this type of object often represent the faces of the divine messenger Èṣù, or the omniscient Orisha of divination, Ọ̀rúnmìlà. The iconography of these vessels is always linked to divination; here, the interlacing patterns may be interpreted, as noted by Babatunde Lawal and Constantine Petridis, as "a representation of the complexity of the existential process in which Ọ̀rúnmìlà assists humanity in its resolution." (in Visions d'Afrique Yoruba, Cinq Continents Editions, 2012). The Opon Igede Ifa bowls were one of the ritual tools used by the Ifá priest, known as the Babaláwo ("Father of ancient wisdom"). The compartmented interior was designed to hold sacred elements and substances, such as charcoal, red powder, clay, or the renowned Ikín palm nuts. The remarkable craftsmanship reveals a quest for ornamental finesse. The precision and delicacy of the decoration not only reflect a perfect technical mastery but also an assertive aesthetic intention, bestowing this divination box with a profound spiritual significance, embodying the esoteric knowledge of Ọ̀rúnmìlà. Ususes d'usage, réparation à la base Wear and tear, Repair at base