TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities

"Altering The Way You View The World Of Art"
Type of Object:
    Yoruba Beaded Diviner's Bag

    Among the Yoruba, beadwork is the province of the Ifa
    diviner, something akin to a priest. Worn by Babalawo
    (diviners), beaded bags such as this are known as Apo
    Ileke Ifa and would hold the diviner's chains or cowrie shells
    that would be tossed onto the ground and interpreted by the
    diviner.

    Ifa divination plays and important role in the lives of the
    Yoruba determine their actions or explaining misfortunes.
    Colors and designs play significant symbolic roles among
    the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Yellow and green beads are
    associated with Ifa, black and white beads with Eshu, red
    and white beads are also for Orisha Shango. The blue is
    associated to the royalties. The cowrie shells were used as
    a form of currency in the past. They have ritual significance
    in the Ifa divination.

Ethnic Group:
    Yoruba Society

Country of Origin:  
    Nigeria

Material:   
    Glass Beads
    Fabric

Dimensions:
    10.5 inches H x 10.5 inches W. 32 inches with strap.

Reference:                  
    Fagg's YORUBA BEADWORK and BEADS BODY AND
    SOUL

     ART AND LIGHT IN THE YORUBA UNIVERSE by Drewal
    and Mason.