Divining Bell with Kneeling Mother -and-Child Motif

Divining Bell with Kneeling Mother -and-Child Motif

Yoruba culture

before 1974

Yoruba culture

West Africa

Among the Yoruba, diviners-those who are in contact with the spirit world and who can divine the future-are male priests of the Ifa cult. These priests conduct rituals to contact the spirit world using a wooden tapper or horn-shaped diving bell. This divining bell is carved with the common African motif of a kneeling mother, holding her breasts, with her child on her back. The kneeling pose is not a symbol of submission in Yoruba society, but a symbol of respect, and the holding of the breasts is a symbol of welcome and hospitality. The figure is likely the representation of a devotee, commissioned by a satisfied customer and given to the diviner in gratitude.

Researched by Lauren Fitzpatrick, MSU Student, 2013, Under the direction of Dr. Billie Follensbee

20th Century

33.5 cm h. x 7 cm w. x 6 cm d.

Sculpture

Wood and Twine

Carved Design and Pigment

Frances Davis Extended Loan, 1974.

1974.008

1974

20200042, 20200043, and 20200044