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 to strike against a diviner’s tray to call forth spirits to the proceedings. The more elegantly carved, the more confidence the diviner instilled in his skill. This example is beautifully sculpted, with a crouching male figure. He wears a tall cylindrically shaped hat and his facial features are serious and powerful. Wearing a look of concentration, his wide set eyes, strong nose, and facial scarring are common in Yoruba art.

Height: 11.5 inches
IN 10-10-16 / SOLD