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Fragment of a Divination Tapper (ìróké Ifá)

Fragment of a Divination Tapper (ìróké Ifá)

Unknown

Diviners (babaláwo, or “fathers-of-ancient-wisdom”) use a tapper to summon sacred forces before a consultation. The figure’s kneeling posture evokes respect, supplication, and devotion for the spirits. This remnant of a full tapper was made into a pendant since ivory is rare and precious.
Artist
Unknown (Nigerian, Yorùbá People)
Title
Fragment of a Divination Tapper (ìróké Ifá)
Date
early 20th century
Medium
Ivory
Dimensions
5 7/16 x 1 1/16 in. Overall
Credit
Gift of Drs. Gladys, Jay, Jeffrey, Jamie, and James Strain
Accession No.
1999.131.6
Classification
Sculpture
Geography
Nigeria

Related

8 December 1999, gifted by Drs. Gladys, Jay, Jeffrey, Jamie, and James Strain (Riverdale, NY) to the Elvehjem Museum of Art [now called Chazen Museum of Art]

  • Exhibition gallery guide, "Revealing Forms: African Art from the Elvehjem Collection." 2002.
  • Drewal, Henry John. "African Art at the Elvehjem." Bulletin/Biennial Report 2001-2003. Elvehjem Museum of Art (2003): 16-36. pp. 16-36
  • Elvehjem Museum of Art. "Bulletin/Biennial Report 1999-2001." Madison: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 2002. p. 78

  • Revealing Forms: African Art from the Collection: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 4/20/2002–6/16/2002

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