Minneapolis Institute of Art

Tapper

Yoruba artist

Date

18th century

Medium

Ivory

Culture

Yoruba

Department

Arts of Global Africa

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

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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