Divination Tray (Opón Ifá)

The system of divination called Ifa exists throughout the entire region where the Yoruba live. The tray and tapper are two of the more important implements used during the divination process. The tray may be round, oval or square, but always displays a patterned border that converys balance, harmony and order.

The face carved on the tray represents an important deity named Eshu. He is the bearer of sacrifices to the gods and is always present to observe the ritual of Ifa.

Divination protocol requires positioning the tray so that the face that represents Eshu, carved on the tray's border, is directly opposite the position of the diviner. The process includes the spreading of white clay in the center of the tray and the marking of lines in the clay. Upon completion, the diviner-priest is directed to a particular section of the Ifa sacred text (that is memorized). Eventually the proper solution and requisite sacrifice will be determined, which will establish the correct path of life for the supplicant.