Zoomorphic friction oracle "itombwa" · D. R. Congo, Kuba · ID: 3041740
Bernd Muhlack, Kiel, Germany
Walter Schmidt, Würzburg/Innsbruck, Germany/Austria
Description
light brown wood, shiny reddish brown patina, in form of a quadruped (crocodile?), complete with rubbing implement, min. dam., fine cracks, small missing parts, sligth traces of usage;
regarded as infallible divinatory instruments, 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.
The object Zoomorphic friction oracle “itombwa” with the object ID 3041740 was last part of the auction 86th Tribal Art Auction at May 27, 2017 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 57 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,500.
Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about African art.
Comparing literature
LaGamma, Alisa, Art and Oracle, New York 2000, p. 44 f.
Publications
AHDRC: 0141991