Carved Friction Oracle Itombwa Africa Congo (Zaire) Kuba

Description

Friction Oracle Itombwa Kuba
Artist: Unknown. African, Congo (Zaire), Kuba
Rubbing or friction oracles are created in many forms. The best known are the
itoom
rubbing oracles of Kuba and related peoples. These may take the form of animals such as crocodiles, warthogs, dogs, and others.
This example, probably a dog, has a flat section on the back or top on which a small plug-like element
( missing on this one) is rubbed during the divination process. Itombwa are tools used by Kuba ritual specialists to locate the source of problems in the community.
By rubbing the figure’s back, the diviner learns the answers to questions and can then help develop a solution to the petitioner’s specific problem.
By manipulating the model, the diviner can learn the ultimate causes of different experiences in the world, even when these causes are normally invisible.
Condition: As Is, with loss to tail and upper jaw (see photos)
Size: 11.5 inches L x 2-1/8 in. W x 3-1/8 in. H