Accession Number2003/2.32
TitleDiviner's Beaded Bag
Artist(s)YorubaArtist NationalityYoruba (culture or style)Object Creation Datelate 20th centuryMedium & Supportcloth, beads, and blue pigment Dimensions 18 1/2 in x 9 1/4 in x 13/16 in (47 cm x 23.5 cm x 2 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Daniel and Sandra MatoSubject matterBeaded objects, such as this bag, highlighted the power and authority of their owners; in Yoruba society, only
aláàsè, or those who could mediate forces in
orun, the realm of
orisas (gods) and spirits were allowed to wear beads. Used by diviners, bags such as this one, called
apo ileke, would have held items essential for
Ifa (the process of divination). Diviners were so closely associated with beaded bags that they were also called
akapo, which means "carriers of bags".
References Cited:
Drewal, Henry John and John Mason. 1998.
Beads Body and Soul: Art and Light in the Yoruba Universe. Los Angeles: UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History.
Physical DescriptionA square bag made of dark red cloth covered with white, blue, black, red, and gold beadwork. The beadwork forms a large interlace pattern. Attached to the top of the bag is a brown cloth handle.
Primary Object Classification Costume and Costume Accessories Primary Object TypepurseCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
beadwork (visual works)
ceremonial objects
divination objects
symbols of office or status