Offering Bowl, agere
Yoruba, Nigeria
Early 20th c.
Provenance: Michael Oliver collection, New York
Agere Ifa bowls like this one were used by Ifa divination priests to hold the palm nuts essential for the Ifa divination process. The kneeling position symbolizes respect, devotion, and submission, and these bowls are also known as “olumeye,” meaning “one who knows respect.” This finely carved sculpture depicts a female figure with a crested coiffure and facial scarification, kneeling with her buttocks resting on her heels and holding a bowl. The piece features a fine, encrusted patina in varied dark brown hues, accented with kaolin, earth ochres, and Ricketts blue pigments.
Offering Bowl, agere
Yoruba, Nigeria
Early 20th c.
Provenance: Michael Oliver collection, New York
Agere Ifa bowls like this one were used by Ifa divination priests to hold the palm nuts essential for the Ifa divination process. The kneeling position symbolizes respect, devotion, and submission, and these bowls are also known as “olumeye,” meaning “one who knows respect.” This finely carved sculpture depicts a female figure with a crested coiffure and facial scarification, kneeling with her buttocks resting on her heels and holding a bowl. The piece features a fine, encrusted patina in varied dark brown hues, accented with kaolin, earth ochres, and Ricketts blue pigments.