Divination instrument "kashekesheke"
D. R. Congo, Luba
sold
EUR 1,600
Provenance
French Collection, ParisSize
H: 14 cm
H: 5.5 inch
Description
wood, stained brown patina, string of miniature glass beads, characteristic form, opening in the head for insertion of magical substances, slightly dam., abrasion of paint, base;
Luba diviners use “kashekesheke” in order to solve social problems. Among groups to the north of Luba, most notably the Songye, a similar technique is called “katadora”. During a consultation, client and diviner together held the sculpture, which responded to their questions either yes or no.