YOROUBA, Nigeria. Wood, honey patina. Magnificent "Opin Ifa" divination tray with edges engraved with geometric motifs and the central motif showing the face of Eshu, guardian of ritual practices. 1st half of the 20th century. Size : 34,5x20,5 cm. Slight erosion. Note: Ifa is one of the Yoruba cults that gives rise to divination ceremonies organised by the Babalawo priest ("father with the secret"). As the holder of the cult's knowledge, he uses the tray with palm nuts, cowries and wood powder in particular, to make contact with Orunmila, the Orisa divinity of divination. Provenance: Collection of Patrice CHRISTY, an acknowledged specialist in wildlife conservation, particularly in Africa. He has co-authored several works on biodiversity, and his work has made a major contribution to understanding and preserving bird species in Africa, particularly in Gabon and Sâo-Tomé et Principe. All his objects were collected in the 1970s.