Yoruba Divination Wood Plate Nigeria

The Yoruba divination plate, known as Opon Ifa, is a wooden ritual object originating from Nigeria, specifically used in Ifa divination, a spiritual practice of the Yoruba people. The circular tray, often intricately carved with symbolic motifs, serves as a sacred space for divination rituals conducted by a babalawo (diviner). During divination, palm nuts or cowrie shells are thrown onto the Opon Ifa, forming patterns interpreted by the diviner. The process aims to communicate with Orunmila, the deity associated with divination, seeking guidance and solutions to challenges based on the wisdom from the Ifa literary corpus, a collection of oral texts passed down through generations.