Divination Tapper (Iroke Ifa)
Yoruba 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.
Ivory
15 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 7 5/16 in. (39.3 x 4.5 x 18.5 cm)
Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection
68.26
Photo: Paul Macapia