Opele oracle chain c. mid 20th century

assemblage, metal, sculpture

africain-art

assemblage

metal

geometric

sculpture

yoruba-art

indigenous-americas

This Yoruba *Opele* oracle chain, dating from the mid-20th century, is composed of a series of carved, dried palm nuts strung on a chain of black beads. The chain features a pendant and two sets of tassels adorned with colorful glass beads and other materials, demonstrating the Yoruba people's masterful craftsmanship and use of traditional materials. This chain would have been used by a diviner to consult the *Opele*, a traditional Yoruba divination system, to predict the future and offer guidance.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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A Yoruba diviner seizes this oracle chain in the middle and casts it on a wooden board. The half-nuts of the opele tree—which gives its name to this chain—land with either the outside or the inside facing up. Depending on their numbers, a result emerges that the diviners then interprets in light of the problem for which he is consulted. A Christian medallion has been attached to one of the half-nuts. This remarkable addition illustrates the creativity on the part of the ritual specialist in bringing together different belief systems.