Friction oracle "itombwa" in the shape of a dog ·  D. R. Congo, Kuba · ID: 3048220

Description

wood, red pigment, rest.

Friction oracles were used to mediate between diviners and omniscient nature spirits “ngesh” in order to determine the cause of illnesses and appropriate courses of treatment, as well as to expose dishonesty.

When initiating a consultation, the diviner moistens a small stamp-shaped piece of wood with oil or water and rubs it on the friction oracle’s back while asking questions.

For a medical consultation, the diviner performs the action while making a series of statements about potential measures that might be taken (for example, “don’t eat manioc”, “don’t smoke tobacco”, etc.); when the most appropriate treatment is mentioned, the rubbing implement suddenly stops moving, and the diviner feels it resisting his efforts and sticking to the surface of the oracle.

Comparing literature

LaGamma, Alisa, Art and Oracle, African Art and Rituals of Divination, The Metropolitan Museum of Art , New York 2000, p. 44 f.

Publications

AHDRC: 0024719