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Yoruba Diviner's Bag Beaded Purse w/Male Figures-Africa

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:125.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 460.00 USD
Yoruba Diviner's Bag Beaded Purse w/Male Figures-Africa
This is known as a diviner's bag. It comes from the Yoruba people of West Africa. The bag is embellished with brown, blue, red and light green beads in the design of two male figures with tall headdress. The back side is plain beige cotton, and has a pocket. The size of the bag is 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches, with 22 inch beaded strap. It is in very good condition, with minor stains on the back side that don't show on the front. * Worn by diviners, or Babalawo, beaded bags are known as Apo Ileke Ifa, and were made to hold the diviner's chains or cowrie shells that would be tossed onto the ground and then interpreted by the diviner. This was the way diviners could tell the future. These bags can be seen during dancing at festivals.