Diviner or Priest's Bag

Artist

Yoruba (Nigerian)

Date

Mid 20th century

Medium

Beads and cotton

Dimensions

Work : 26 1/2 x 10 x 3/4 in. (67.31 x 25.4 x 1.91 cm)

Credit Line

Hope College Collection

Object Number

2019.36

Label

Ifa diviners traditionally wear white garments that are accentuated by colorful beadwork sashes and shoulder bags. Beadwork was an important art form in traditional Yoruba culture, and beaded garments and objects were regarded as symbols of status and wealth. The design on this beadwork bag of a kneeling woman holding a bowl on her head probably represents an Ifa divination bowl.