Opon Ifa Divination Tray Sacred Yoruba Tool for Spiritual Insight

Opon Ifa Divination Tray

The Opon Ifa Divination Tray is a sacred and essential instrument used by a Babalawo—a priest of Ifa, in the Yoruba spiritual tradition. Crafted from special woods like Ikoko, Agbalumo, or other spiritually significant trees, the tray serves as the foundation for divine communication through the Ifa oracle.

Traditionally round or rectangular, each Opon Ifa Divination Tray is hand-carved with spiritual symbols, animals such as turtles and lizards, and at least one symbolic face representing Esu Odara, the divine messenger. This carved image signifies the all-seeing eye that helps the Babalawo interpret the sacred wisdom revealed through the Odu Ifa.

In Yoruba cosmology, Ifa refers to the Opon as “Allah”, meaning “the one who will never die.” This reflects its eternal role in preserving divine knowledge. When the tray is used in divination, the sacred signs known as Odu Ifa are impressed upon it using sacred tools like Ikin or Opele. The moment the Odu is fully marked, the message of Ifa begins to reveal itself, straight from the unseen world to the seeker.

According to sacred verses, Orunmila himself, the deity of wisdom and witness to all destinies, was known to sit upon the Opon Ifa before speaking. In keeping with that divine tradition, each Odu must "sit down" before the Babalawo delivers their spiritual message.

Odu Verse Reference – Otura Ogunda (Òtúrá Ògúndá)

Igbó tééré kan’koÒdán tééré kan dòÒnà wérè-wèrè-wérè kan ibi à n réDíá fún AláìkúOmo ayélóhùn kereOrúko ti áá pe Opón-IfáWón ní kó rúbo sí laìkú araa reÓ gbé’bo, ó rúboKò pé kò jinnàE wá bá ni làìkù kangiriÀìkú Kangiri làá bá ní lèsè Òpè

Translation:

The fine forest reached the cultivable landThe thin savannah reached the streamSmall paths reached our destinyThese were the words of Ifa to "Allah" (he who will never die)Child of the one with a loud and clear voiceThis is the name we give to the Opon IfaHe was told to offer a sacrifice for long lifeHe complied, and not long afterCome join us in everlasting lifeA life without end, granted by Ifa.