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16. Ifa Divination Vessel: Equestrian Warrior (Agere Ifa)
Yoruba, Nigeria
Wood; H. 29.5 cm (11 5/8 in.)
19th century
Museum für Völkerkunde zu Leipzig
Maf22514

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16. Ifa Divination Vessel: Equestrian Warrior (Agere Ifa)

he vessel element of this agere Ifa crowns the head of an allegorical leader. Mounted on a horse, he holds a rifle in his right hand and the horse's reins in his left. At the base, his feet rest in the stirrups and a miniature drummer accompanies him on his left. The figure portrayed here belongs to the category alase (powerful ones), which includes kings, queens, priests, diviners, and elders. This term refers to their ability to harness ase (life force) and channel it for their own benefit and on behalf of others. Such imagery reflects the association between positions of authority in Yoruba society and great knowledge and enlightenment. (See part 4 of the Pemberton essay.)

This work's style of carving and equestrian subject suggest that its author was a master from the Ekiti region in northeast Yorubaland. Equestrian motifs were used in architectural sculpture, masquerade headdresses, and Ifa divination cups to commemorate the legendary hunter-warriors credited with establishing sixteen kingdoms there during the eighteenth century.1 In divination vessels, such images promise clients potential prosperity and the ability to prevail over their enemies and personal challenges.2

1. Yoruba Art and Aesthetics 1991, p. 69.

2. Rowland Abiodun in Yoruba 1989, p. 112.