Divination instrument "kashekesheke" ·  R. D. Congo, Luba · ID: 3038448

Description

wood, stained brown patina, string of miniature glass beads, characteristic form, opening in the head for insertion of magical substances, slightly dam., abrasion of paint, base;
Luba diviners use “kashekesheke” in order to solve social problems. Among groups to the north of Luba, most notably the Songye, a similar technique is called “katadora”. During a consultation, client and diviner together held the sculpture, which responded to their questions either yes or no.