Miniature Divination Board
Yoruba, Nigeria
Early 20th Century
Provenance: Old New York collection acquired in the 1970’s, then by descent to family member.
Large divination boards are very common to find, small ones like this are extremely rare, and were used by traveling Diviners. At the top there is a nicely rendered face of the God Ishu. The boarders of the tray are outlined with geometric designs that compresses in size as it circles to the bottom. The compression of the design adds a feeling of tension to the piece. The varied patina is deep and encrusted, evidence of its great age and abundance of use.
Miniature Divination Board
Yoruba, Nigeria
Early 20th Century
Provenance: Old New York collection acquired in the 1970’s, then by descent to family member.
Large divination boards are very common to find, small ones like this are extremely rare, and were used by traveling Diviners. At the top there is a nicely rendered face of the God Ishu. The boarders of the tray are outlined with geometric designs that compresses in size as it circles to the bottom. The compression of the design adds a feeling of tension to the piece. The varied patina is deep and encrusted, evidence of its great age and abundance of use.