A ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value, which is prescribed by a religion or by the traditions of a community. To dafa , the babalawo places the tray in front of him and taps rhythmically on it with the pointed end of the tapper, invoking the presence of past diviners and of Ifa (also called Orunmila) the God of divination. Exegesis (from the Greek to lead out) involves an extensive and critical interpretation of a text, especially of a holy scripture, such as of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, the Talmud, the Midrash, the Quran, etc. Species Elaeis guineensis Elaeis oleifera The oil palms (Elaeis) coomprise two species of the Arecaceae, or palm family.

In contrast to those transitory signs, the more permanent backdrop of the carved motifs on the tapper and tray constitutes an artistic exegesis of the forces that shape human experience and the universal needs fulfilled by such quests for enlightenment. This tray, adorned with carved images and dusted with powder, serves as the template on which sacred signs (odu) related to the personal concerns of a diviner’s client are traced as the point of departure for analysis. The tray and tapper are used in Ifa divination. * a group of sixteen Ikin, commonly known as palm nuts, which are used to create binary data

The items used for divination include: In Yoruba mythology, Orunmila is an Orisha (Orisa), and deity of prophecy.

Special instruments are used to assist in the divination to transcribe Orunmila’s wisdom through the diviner.

Ifa odus