Divinatory Rattle "iroke Ifa", Yoruba People, Nigeria Or Benin

Divination rattle showing a kneeling woman on a conical base. This base is decorated with a herringbone frieze topped with rising lines in the shape of waves. The kneeling woman holds her breasts and wears on her face the traditional scarifications of her people. The hairstyle is well worked and is topped with a conical projection that recalls the shape of the ibori (altar of the "inner head") and the ade (crown of the monarch).
This type of object, called IROKE IFA, was used for divination and was used with the opon Ifa trays.
During divination sessions, the diviner would tap the tray intermittently with the tip of the engraved rattle (iroke) to invoke Orunmila and to reinforce the rhythm of her songs. We can note on this example a deep wear at the tip which indicates very heavy use.
Wood with a deep, oily patina (it oozes in the sun), slight erosion at the base, cracks.
Height: 25.5 cm
Yurouba people, Benin or Nigeria Early 20th century
Provenance: ex Norbert Boutet collection