Opon Ifá

The Opon Ifá (also spelled Ọpọn Ifá) is a divination tray used in Ifá divination practices within the Yoruba religion and related traditions. It is a circular or rectangular wooden tray that serves as a sacred space upon which the diviner (Babalawo or Iyanifa) invokes the presence of Orunmila (also known as Ifá), the Orisha of wisdom and divination.

The tray is typically carved with intricate designs, often depicting images of Eshu (the messenger deity), other Orisha, and symbolic representations of important concepts within the Ifá cosmology. The designs are not merely decorative; they are considered integral to the divination process and serve as visual reminders of the power and presence of the spiritual forces being invoked.

During divination, the Opon Ifá is placed before the diviner. The diviner then taps the tray with an Iroke (a tapper, usually made of ivory or wood) while chanting incantations (Ofo Ase). The diviner then casts the sacred palm nuts (Ikin Ifá) onto the tray. The patterns formed by the Ikin Ifá on the Opon Ifá are interpreted based on the established system of Ifá divination to reveal insights into the querent's situation, destiny, and possible solutions to their problems.

The Opon Ifá is considered a highly sacred object, treated with reverence and respect. Its construction and use are governed by specific protocols and rituals, reflecting its central importance in the Ifá religious system. The quality and craftsmanship of an Opon Ifá can vary greatly, with older, more elaborate examples often considered to be of greater spiritual significance. The Opon Ifá serves as a critical interface between the human and spiritual realms during the divination process.