This 17th to 18th century carving of "eshu", the Yoruba god of fate, is carefully authenticated by Dr. Justine Cordwell of Chicago, specialist in old Owo ivory. The figure is close in face and cap style to the Robert Mnuchin masterpiece illustrated in "Nine Centuries of African Art," page 114. Like the former, it was used for Ifa divination probably by a babalawo serving the royal court. A clear moire pattern and typical spiral cracking indicate that the ivory is indeed quite old. This piece is being considered for inclusion in an exhibition of Owo ivories at the National Museum of African Art in Washington. Price on request.