Kuba
Divination Oracle (Itombwa)
Kuba, Early 20th century
Scroll
Kuba
Divination Oracle (Itombwa)
Kuba, Early 20th century
Physical Qualities
Wood, fiber, 12 15/16 × 3 3/16 × 2 3/4 in. (32.8 × 8.1 × 7 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Robert and Nancy Nooter, Washington, D.C.
Object Number
1985.285
The divination oracle's canine form enhances the object's role as a mediator between the human and spirit worlds, as the Kuba consider dogs to be ideal messengers for nature spirits. A diviner sought the spirits' guidance while rubbing the attachment back and forth across the oracle's back.
Karen Milbourne, BMA, "Meditations on African Art: PATTERN," March 12-August 17, 2008
Gallery Rotation, "Wurtzburger Case 1," December 2009 - present.
Gallery Rotation, "Wurtzburger Case 1," December 2009 - present.
