Whether portraying a crocodile, hippopotamus, dog, or human, Kuba divination oracles (itombwa) are carefully adorned with intricate, interlocking patterns that refer not to skin, fur, or animal qualities, but to the value of these objects within Kuba culture. Itombwa provide insight into the causes of, and cures for, a range of medical and social ills. During a consultation, a diviner moistens the stopper on the creature’s back. The stopper is then rubbed back and forth across the oracle’s back as the diviner asks a series of questions. If the answer is yes, the stopper sticks; if it is no, the stopper glides easily.