Diviner’s Tapper
Yoruba, Nigeria
Early 20th Century
Provenance: Vianna Finch, acquired in the 1970’s from the Eric Robertson Gallery, New York City, then by descent to family.
Wooden tappers were an essential tool in Yoruba divination. Used in ceremonies it was struck against a diviner’s tray to call forth spirits to the proceedings. This example is beautifully sculpted, in the form of a stylized torso. It wears a tall cylindrically shaped hat and its facial features are serious and powerful. Wearing a look of concentration, its wide set eyes, strong nose, and elongated arms make for a very compelling sculpture. There is ancient wear and loss to one arm, and also at the bottom on the actual tapper section. The patina is dark and deep, attesting to its age and abundance of use.
Diviner’s Tapper
Yoruba, Nigeria
Early 20th Century
Provenance: Vianna Finch, acquired in the 1970’s from the Eric Robertson Gallery, New York City, then by descent to family.
Wooden tappers were an essential tool in Yoruba divination. Used in ceremonies it was struck against a diviner’s tray to call forth spirits to the proceedings. This example is beautifully sculpted, in the form of a stylized torso. It wears a tall cylindrically shaped hat and its facial features are serious and powerful. Wearing a look of concentration, its wide set eyes, strong nose, and elongated arms make for a very compelling sculpture. There is ancient wear and loss to one arm, and also at the bottom on the actual tapper section. The patina is dark and deep, attesting to its age and abundance of use.