Yoruba diviners, called Babalawos,
communicated with the spirit world while wearing
elaborate and colorful beaded necklaces. Substances
were sewn into the miniature bags to protect the diviner
and ensure his power, which were worn to overlay the
points of vulnerability - the chest and the base of the neck.
A Yoruba diviner (babalawo) earns the right to wear a necklace such as this one only after intensive training in the rituals and oral literature (Odu Ifa) of divination.
Provenance: Douglas Dawson Gallery, Chicago, IL.
"Flaps" are 7" x 4 ½".
43" in length.
