Divination Tapper (Iroke Ifa)
Yoruba, Nigeria
19th-20th c.
Provenance: Harold Rome collection, NY. By descent to family member
In Yoruba cosmology, two deities, Orunmila and Eshu, serve as intermediaries between divinities (orisa) and humans. Orunmila, as the orisa of destiny, is sought after by people seeking knowledge of their fate and guidance in manipulating forces to their advantage. However, this requires calling upon Eshu as well, who serves as both the messenger of the gods and the overseer of chance and disorder. This process of consultation is known as Ifa, and the diviner who conducts the ritual is referred to as a babalawo.
The babalawo utilizes a tapper, or iroke, as depicted here, in conjunction with a divination tray. By tapping the iroke in the center of the tray, he seeks the attention of Orunmila and Eshu, sprinkling wood dust on its recessed circular plane. The babalawo throws sixteen palm nuts multiple times to determine a configuration of marks drawn in the wood dust. These signs guide him to chant specific verses. Once the attentive client recognizes a verse that resonates with their situation, the babalawo proceeds to the next step in the Ifa process.
This particular tapper is cast in bronze, a rarity as most divination tappers are typically made of wood or ivory. It features a kneeling woman seated atop a head, her gesture of holding her breasts symbolizing respect and supplication. Incised cross-hatching and straight lines adorn either end of the implement. The surface displays a pleasing patina, with the high points of the sculpture developing a well-worn appearance. On the back of the tapper, there is a faded painted inscription reading “SEC.”
Size
Height: 10 ¾ in / 27.3 cm
Item
IN 5-6-24 / Price: $1500
Gallery
Divination Tapper (Iroke Ifa)
Yoruba, Nigeria
19th-20th c.
Provenance: Harold Rome collection, NY. By descent to family member
In Yoruba cosmology, two deities, Orunmila and Eshu, serve as intermediaries between divinities (orisa) and humans. Orunmila, as the orisa of destiny, is sought after by people seeking knowledge of their fate and guidance in manipulating forces to their advantage. However, this requires calling upon Eshu as well, who serves as both the messenger of the gods and the overseer of chance and disorder. This process of consultation is known as Ifa, and the diviner who conducts the ritual is referred to as a babalawo.
The babalawo utilizes a tapper, or iroke, as depicted here, in conjunction with a divination tray. By tapping the iroke in the center of the tray, he seeks the attention of Orunmila and Eshu, sprinkling wood dust on its recessed circular plane. The babalawo throws sixteen palm nuts multiple times to determine a configuration of marks drawn in the wood dust. These signs guide him to chant specific verses. Once the attentive client recognizes a verse that resonates with their situation, the babalawo proceeds to the next step in the Ifa process.
This particular tapper is cast in bronze, a rarity as most divination tappers are typically made of wood or ivory. It features a kneeling woman seated atop a head, her gesture of holding her breasts symbolizing respect and supplication. Incised cross-hatching and straight lines adorn either end of the implement. The surface displays a pleasing patina, with the high points of the sculpture developing a well-worn appearance. On the back of the tapper, there is a faded painted inscription reading “SEC.”
Size
Height: 10 ¾ in / 27.3 cm
Item
IN 5-6-24 / Price: $1500
Gallery
