Quadruped · D. R. Congo, Yaka/Suku/Lele · ID: 3036210
not available anymore
Provenance
Pater Josef Malfliet, Schifferstadt, GermanySize
L: 44,5 cm
H: 8 cm
L: 17.5 inch
H: 3.1 inch
Description
light wood, partly encrusted dark patina, probably depicting a warthog, three drilled holes in the body, collar made from plaited plant fibres, min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
presumably a friction oracle “itombwa”, regarded as infallible divinatory instrument; friction oracles were used to mediate between diviners and omniscient nature spirits in order to determine the cause of illness and appropriate courses of treatment and to expose dishonesty.