Yoruba Beaded King's Divination Necklace Odigba Ifa Nigeria

The Odigba Ifa, a diviner's beaded necklace, features a single pouch (Apo) made of tiny glass beads and large white European beads. According to Henry Drewal, these pouches strategically coincide with vulnerable points on the body, with one hanging against the chest (ude isale) and the other resting at the base of the neck (ude oke). These pouches are believed to contain substances for the protection and empowerment of the diviner. Before use, the necklace undergoes a special blessing bath. Worn by the diviner during important ceremonies, Ifa initiation, and annual festivals honoring deities, the colors and abstract patterns on the necklace symbolize the powers and identities of the deity of divination, Ifa. Colors, such as yellow and green, play a role in recognizing specific deities or principles within the divination process.

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