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Fragment of a Divination Tapper (Ìróké Ifá)

Fragment of a Divination Tapper (Ìróké Ifá)

Currently unknown artist or artists (Yorùbá style)

This object demonstrates the widespread use of elephant ivory, a profitable African export until the 1800s, both in and outside of Africa. Since antiquity, Africans, Europeans, and Asians have admired ivory’s color, luster, and hardness. Some have also associated the material with the elephant’s revered attributes, including its physical power. In certain cultures, ivory was a popular material for ritual objects. This Yorùbá tapper summons sacred forces.
Artist/Maker
Currently unknown artist or artists (Yorùbá style)
Title
Fragment of a Divination Tapper (Ìróké Ifá)
Date
probably early 20th century
Material & Process
Ivory
Dimensions
5 7/16 x 1 1/16 in. Overall
Credit
Gift of Drs. Gladys, Jay, Jeffrey, Jamie, and James Strain
Inventory No.
1999.131.6
Classification
Sculpture
Location
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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Information about artworks presented here may not reflect the most current research. Chazen staff update records as new details emerge; please verify independently for scholarly use and notify us of any errors.