Divination Tapper (Iroke Ifa)
Label TextYoruba belief specifies that each person kneels to choose a destiny before birth. If this request is made humbly and deemed reasonable, one's character and success can be established for life. Yet, this destiny may be muted by the world's chaos and disorder. When confused by misfortune or despair, one kneels again in the presence of a babalawo (diviner-priest). He uses a tapper to call upon Orunmila, the orisa who knows what the possibilities are in one's life.
Object number68.26
Photo CreditPhoto: Paul Macapia
Published ReferencesLawal, Babatunde, Visions of Yoruba, Cleveland Museum of Art, 2012, published by 5 Continents, pl. 33
Joice, Gail, Michael Knight, and Pamela McClusky. "Ivories in the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum." Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1987, no. 18, p. 25
McClusky, Pamela. Art from Africa: Long Steps Never Broke a Back. Exh. Cat. Seattle: Seattle Art Museum, in association with Princeton University Press, 2002; pp. 46-47, reproduced pl. 23 [not in exhibition].Credit LineNasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection
Dimensions15 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 7 5/16 in. (39.3 x 4.5 x 18.5 cm)
MediumIvory
Object number: 81.17.614
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