At the time when the sacred waters of orisa Osun are taken in brass bowls from the river to the shrine, the priestess carries her fan as an insignia of office. As a mediator between this world and the "other world", the priestess is able to interpret messages from the river deity Osun to her suppliants in response to their questions. She is also in touch with spirits of nature, using these forces to help people in a variety of ways.

We see on this fan a reflection of nature where two stylized lizard-like creatures, with triangular heads, rest between two birds on either side. The birds are in reverse, a mirror-image of each pair, whether one looks vertically or horizontally. An oblong central element comprises triangles each with circles in the middle. This creates a textured floral effect, turning the surface into the realm of the river where the spirit Osun dwells and the priestess works her magic.