YORUBA IFA DIVINER'S BAG

Vintage Yoruba ifá diviner's bag

A Yoruba ifá diviner's bag, known as àpò Ifá or àpò ìlẹ̀kẹ̀ is a beaded, leather or cloth satchel used by a Yoruba diviner (babalawo) to carry sacred divination tools. 

Diviners are so closely identified with these bags that they are traditionally called akapo, which translates to "carriers of bags". The bag holds portable tools for Ifá divination, which can include the palm nuts (ikin Ifá), the divination tapper (iroke Ifá), and small ritual figures.

In Yoruba culture, wearing or owning beaded objects signifies spiritual rank and the authority to mediate between the mortal world and the realm of the spirits.

Typically, a decorated beaded front flap lifts up or folds over to reveal a pouch (often lined in cloth ) used to safely store sacred instruments.

This example is crafted from leather and cloth. The exterior features interlace designs, small charm pouches, cowries and tassells.

Condition:

The leather, cloth lining and tassel fibres have become hard and slightly inflexible from age. This happens when old leather dries out. As a result, the flap and body of the bag feel "boardy". Some peeling to the inside leather trim (shown in photograph).

The beaded fabric strap is functional. Given its age and material condition, this piece is best displayed rather than used, allowing its historical and cultural significance to be appreciated.