Divination pestle "lubuko" ·  D. R. Congo, Luba/Kanyok · ID: 3043097

Description

wood, dark brown patina, remains of pigments, in shape of a human head rising from overlong neck with round base (commonly wrapped with hide), min. dam., small missing parts, fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion.
Used for “lubuko”, the most common Luba term for “divination”. They probably are also used to mix a pinch of chalk with medicinal substances that are dispensed to patients.

The object Divination pestle “lubuko” with the object ID 3043097 was last part of the auction 87th Tribal Art Auction at November 11, 2017 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 431.

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Comparing literature

Herreman, Frank, To cure and protect, New York 1999, p. 31, ill. 45