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Divination Implement
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This device helped contact an ancestral spirit who clarified misfortunes. The diviner awakened the ancestor by anointing the rectangular frame of the figurine with pungent basil leaves. Sitting on a textured woven mat, the diviner held one side of the instrument while the client held the other. The diviner then posed questions to the ancestor who responded through certain movement signaling affirmation.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Luba-style maker |
|---|---|
| Date | late 1800s–early 1900s |
| Culture / Origin | Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Luba-style maker |
| Medium | Wood, glass beads, and natural fiber |
| Dimensions | Overall: 11.4 x 3.4 x 4.8 cm (4 1/2 x 1 5/16 x 1 7/8 in.) |
| Department | African Art |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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