Ifá diviner's necklace (òdìgbà Ifá)

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Ifá diviner's necklace (òdìgbà Ifá) as tools and equipment (Africa, West Africa, Nigeria, Yorùbá-style maker · 1900s).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

Look closely at the minuscule beads used to make the complex patterns of this multicolored necklace containing two pouches with thin strands that are connected by rope-like cords. A Yoruba diviner would have communicated with the spirit world while wearing this accessory.

SERENDIPITYA little unexpected

FamiliarWeird

A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this tools and equipment as Cloth, glass beads, cardboard, cotton, probably wool, and wood.

The museum's collection notes: The use of colorful glass beads adds luster to the divination session and underlines the high status diviners enjoy in Yorùbá society. Like kings, diviners derive their authority from the otherworld, òrún. A beaded necklace with two beaded pouches is an accessory carried by the itinerant Yorùbá diviner. Substances sewn into the miniature bags protect the diviner and ensure his power.

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtIfá diviner's necklace (òdìgbà Ifá)

Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.