Divination plays a very important part of daily life
in Yoruba society. Diviners use a container, called
“Agere-Ifa,” for holding or storing sacred Ifa
divination palm-kernel nuts, or for holding gifts
generally of kola nuts. This attractive container is
fashioned as an abstract animal with a lid. The
interior is divided into three sections, with two
center dividers each having two small
compartments normally holding sixteen sacred
palm-kernel nuts of divination called “Ikin.” Both
the Ifa priest and their clients contribute to the
iconographic and aesthetic features of Agere
sculpture. The lines within triangles imitating an
animal's skin and the delightful facial features
combine to create an object that is both very
charming and powerful; retaining still the magic
of the Ifa priests.
- (PF.4759)
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