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 natural forces to help people in a variety of ways.

A highly stylized lizard is the main figure on this fan. His embossed body of small dots gives the effect of scales, while the circle around his waist cleverly gives the impression of a lizard's swollen body. Surrounding him are cryptic shapes with no recognizable form; though the squares with "heads" attached are found on other fans and may symbolize human beings. The iconography on this fan reminds one of ancient cave paintings, being both mystifying and strangely familiar at the same time; perhaps reminding us of something deep in our sub-conscious.