Iroke Ifa. Yoruba, Nigeria, XVII-XVIII century.

Iroke Ifa. Yoruba, Nigeria.
Ivory dated XVII-XVIII centuries.
Attached proof C14 nº 144844A-3 made by Re.S.Artes.
With CITES.
Provenance:
- Robert Duperier, Paris, France, acquired in 1973.
- Johan Henau, Belgium.
Measurements: 32 cm (height).

The iroke are tools of the Yoruba culture (generally of iroko wood carved by hand), used to call Orunmila and various Orishas, also used for celebrations. The Yoruba deities are called Orishas, literally 'owners of the head'. It is believed that the Orishas were once human, deriving many of their Pattakies (stories, tales) on Earth, and that after their death they passed to heaven, where they live with Olofi (God).

The Yorubas are one of the African ethnic groups whose cultural heritage and identity are most recognized. With respect to the Yoruba social structure, we must comment that it is a highly hierarchical society, in a clearly pyramidal form, where the greatest importance falls on the figure of the king and behind him a High Council that determines the social life of the rest of the components of the community. This structure is uncommon in African city-states and the most interesting thing is that the figure of the king himself has power over life and death. His own life is essential to the welfare of the people. If he is satisfied, so are his subjects. He is the life force of the state.