Divination instrument "galukoji" ·  D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3034257

Description

bamboo, wood, conjunction of the bamboo sticks in an “accordion-mechanism”, small mask with feather crowning affixed to the last one, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, wooden socle;
objects like this are used in judical hearings. During consultation, the diviner would lay the instrument on his knees with the head facing up. He held it by inserting his finger at some point in the crossbars while names of individuals suspected of crimes were recited. In response to the mention of the culprit’s name, the “galukoji” sprang upward, approaching the diviner’s head.

Comparing literature

Jordán, Manuel, Ngombo - Wahrsagen und Kunst in Zentralafrika, München 2002, p. 43, ill. 29