Ifa divination is an intricate form of communication between Yoruba and their gods. There are three key works of art associated with this process: a bowl (agere Ifa) in which the diviner stores implements such as the sixteen palm nuts he will use during a consultation, a tapper (iroke Ifa) whose sound alerts the messenger god, Eshu, that his assistance is needed to carry messages between humans and the divine, and a tray (opon Ifa) upon which the diviner draws marks that will guide him to one of 256 memorized sacred texts that provide insight into a client's situation. Although these three works of art were never used together by one diviner, here they form a set. The ivory tapper has been carved in the form of a woman kneeling in a gesture of respect and appreciation for the gods. Divination bowls often depict individuals gathered for a celebration or ritual activity. Here, a seated leader smokes a pipe while surrounded by prostrate subjects and women in gestures of thanksgiving. Field photo: Photo by M. and H. Drewal 1982.