Tapper

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Tapper

Yoruba artistLinkedCulture matchlcp-ddd60c9b2fa5

Date
18th century
Medium
Ivory
Culture
Yoruba
Department
Arts of Global Africa
Institution
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Object ID
123396

From the Minneapolis Institute of Art record

Tappers are commonly used in Yoruba divination practices to greet and summon Orunmila, the god of fate who is associated with knowledge and wisdom. This example is made of ivory, a material treasured for its durability, scarcity, and association with the elephant—a symbol of sovereignty. Its pointed end is used to tap the divination tray. The handle is formed by a kneeling female figure holding her breasts, a common motif in Yoruba art that refers to humanity receiving spiritual nourishment. Nigeria, Africa

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Provenance & credit

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Credit line
Gift of Raymond A. and Ruth A. Reister

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