African

Ancient Mediterranean

Asian

European and American

Art since 1900

African Art

What is Ifa Divination?

At the top of the tray is the face of Eshu, the god who mediates between the world of the spirit and the human world. Eshu's face appears on virtually all Ifa divination trays. The diviner sits with the tray in front of him, placed so that Eshu is opposite, facing him.

Other decoration varies widely from tray to tray. The figures on this tray have been identified as follows: upper left, upper right, and bottom, a kneeling woman with a child on her back, presenting offerings in a calabash; left, a soldier with a crossbow; right, a priest of Osanyin, a god of healing and wisdom ; lower left, a couple making love; lower right, a seated figure, probably a second representation of Eshu. A band of cowry shells, formerly used as money in West Africa, runs around the central part of the tray.

Yoruba thought ranks the desirable things of this world in five basic categories: health and long life, wealth, marriage, children, and victory over one's enemies. It is probably no coincidence that all five types of good fortune can be associated with carvings on this tray.