RARE YORUBA BRONZE DIVINATION TAPPER

Mid 19th century. 8" height and employing the same artistry as the Ogboni figures, which are cast in pairs. This example, female with exaggerated genitalia in a position of supplication with a chain around her waist and chin from wrist to wrist, along the back. Probably a reference to slavery which was at its peak in West Africa at the time. The divination tapper is used on the divination tray Opon Ifa along with sixteen palm nuts to serve as an oracle to predict the future. They are virtually always made of wood or ivory.