Divination rattle ·  Nigeria, Urhobo · ID: 3037516

Description

wood, partly encrusted greyish brown patina, remains of kaolin, paddle-shaped, one side carved in relief with a reptile (crocodile?), the handle carved with stylized human heads, seeds attached, min. dam., missing parts (seeds), traces of abrasion;
the Urhobo are a small Edo-speaking ethnical group living in the northwestern part of the Nigerdelta. They make sculptures of terracotta and wood for worshipping the ancestors and supernatural powers, as well as wooden masks which are said to be connected with earth- and water spirits.

Comparing literature

Foss, Perkins (ed.), Where Gods and Mortals Meet, New York 2004, p. 91, ill. 54