Opele oracle chain, mid 20th century
Yorubaexpand_more
Beads, nuts, metal, fibersexpand_more
The Rebecca and Ben Field Endowment for Art Acquisitionexpand_more 2019.63.1
On View in Gallery 254expand_more
A Yoruba diviner seizes this oracle chain in the middle and casts it on a wooden board. The half-nuts of the opele tree—which gives its name to this chain—land with either the outside or the inside facing up. Depending on their numbers, a result emerges that the diviners then interprets in light of the problem for which he is consulted. A Christian medallion has been attached to one of the half-nuts. This remarkable addition illustrates the creativity on the part of the ritual specialist in bringing together different belief systems.
Details
- Title
- Opele oracle chain
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2019.63.1
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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