.A carved, wooden tray is the pivotal instrument used in Ifa divination consultation. After dusting powdered Kola nuts across the tray's surface, the diviner records numerologically significant patterns in the chalky coating. He then interprets these symbols according to hundreds of sacred verses he has memorized & relates the message to his client. The face of Eshu, the messenger of the gods, is prominently featured on the tray. Eshu's mystical abilities, reveals the secrets of fate and the potential for changing it.
The ritual of divination, called Ifa, forms the basis for the Yoruba religion. Performed by highly trained priests, called babalawo, "fathers of the secret". Using 16 palm nuts, Ifa priests "cast Ifa" to determine which oral literature verses (odu Ifa) to recite in response to questions or problems. The 8 marks of an Odu Ifa are then made in the wood dust sprinkled on the tray, and the pertinent verses associated with the Odu are chanted. There are 256 possible combinations (16 X 16). He will cast Ifa again to determine what sacrifices must be made, and to whom, so that life can be continually happy.
The God Orunmila, who was present at the creation of the world by Olodumare, is consulted for his wisdom. Thus Orunmila knows the secret of creation, and how to cope with the powers of good & evil. When he left the earth, he left behind the sacred palm nuts, so that the future generations might communicate with him.
Mounted on a metal stand.
Height and width 12 ¼" x Depth: ¾".
It stands 14" in height on the stand.