Vintage Yoruba Black & Orange Trade Bead Ifa Diviner's Bag Apo Ifa Nigeria

Description

DESCRIPTION: This is a  wonderful Vintage Yoruba Diviner's Bag/Pouch, colorfully beaded with Vintage and Antique European seed beads (Trade Beads) in a Traditional Design.  The Diviner holds a revered place in the Yoruba Religious belief system and is consulted on matters ranging from both everyday and future concerns- such as Love, Protection, Health & Prosperity. The Yoruba Ifa Priestess would hold special items used in "divining" in the beaded ceremonial pouch. Showcased by the Ifa Priestess during public affairs, or at home in a place of reverence.
This beautiful bag shows three beaded faces representing Eshu/Esu, the divine messenger, able to communicate between the powerful Heaven and Earth Spirits. This example has a back pouch (Note: this design has NO double flap that opens) for holding Kola Nuts and other sacred tools used in the Divination Ceremony.
The back with attached pouch is constructed of pieces of Antique Yoruba hand woven textiles.
This can be a functional and/or decorative piece, and makes a beautiful traditional statement hanging from a hook on the wall, on a stand, or
any way you choose to showcase it's beauty and power. It is, however, not a purse and the back pouch is not designed to hold a large amount of items.
SIZE: ~12.5" across the top of bag, not counting decorative triangles on edges.  ~13 3/4" top of bag to bottom.  Beaded fabric loop handle is ~32.25" long itself.  Piece hangs ~13.5" from top of loop to top of bag when being held up by handle.  From handle top to bottom of bag is ~27.5"
WEIGHT: 1Pound 6.4 Ounces pre packaging.
CONDITION:  Very good Vintage condition.  Beads and bead stitching look good and intact.  The handwoven fabric used on the back and pouch and on the handle has some frayed threads and some staining.
Please use photos to help determine appearance and condition and zoom in as needed.
SPECIAL SHIPPING:
I am estimating this  will need a custom box about 20" X 18" X 5" and will be the equivalent cost of a USPS LARGE Flat Rate Priority Box.  Should you choose Priority and it costs LESS we will refund the difference.  We always pay Insurance.  You can save money by picking USPS Retail Ground, but it can take 10 days depending on your location.
I have been buying Antique Trade Beads for almost 50 years, and had a Wholesale and Retail Bead Store, Folk Art and Tribal Art Store in Greensboro, NC for some 25 years (Lost and Found Gallery), and am now semi-retired.  We are just beginning to sell on eBay.  Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about the item(s).
Sorry but we can only ship to the Continental USA at this time, but hope to expand in the near future.
PAYMENT: We accept PayPal, but hope to expand your options in the near future
SHIPPING: We Pack very well, insure, and ship USPS Priority*
*NOTE: IF YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY ON SHIPPING YOU CAN PICK USPS RETAIL GROUND BUT IT TAKES MUCH LONGER TO ARRIVE