KUBA FRICTION ORACLE

Origin: Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kuba People   (Provenance: Acquired from an old collection in Brussels Belgium)

Period/Date:  Likely 19th Century

Materials:  Wood, Libations

Description:  This Itombwa oracle of a classic four-legged animal shows long traditional use and has acquired a dark varied encrusted patina.  There is a natural separation in the wood on one side.

Regarded as infallible divinatory instruments, friction oracles (itombwa) were used to mediate between diviners and omniscient nature spirits in order to determine the cause of illnesses and appropriate courses of treatment and to expose dishonesty. They performed this role in the guise of an animal form, favored by nature spirits, designed to register their insights in response to human manipulation.

Dimensions:   Length 7.75"  (20 cm), Width 1 1/8"  (3 cm)

Price:   $475   Currency Conversion      FREE SHIPPING With (Buy Now) Feature!