Kuba artists of the south-central Democratic Republic of the Congo create friction oracles known as Itombwa. Regarded as infallible divinatory instruments, Itombwa were used by the Ding, Kuba, Lele, Luluwa, and Wongo peoples to mediate between diviners and omniscient nature spirits in order to determine the cause of illnesses and appropriate courses of treatment, as well as to expose dishonesty. Itombwa often takes the form of animal figures, their backs forming the rubbing surface. The animals, such as crocodiles, bush pigs or dogs, are associated with hunting prey or rooting out a plant, thus symbolizing a diviner’s quest for knowledge and insight, as the diviner seeks to uncover the agent or cause of misfortune, controversy and suffering The crocodile never lies is the native saying.” The friction, that is the smooth movement of the wooden rubber, is created by the addition of specially prepared root juices and oil as it is used by the diviner. Traces of red camwood powder may still be seen, typical of the finishing touch on almost all Kuba carvings. The surface of this Itombwa is carved with simple geometric ornamentation around the upper torso, legs, and neck.
- Material: Wood
- Condition: Good
- Age:approx 50-60yrs
- Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
- SKU: LMCL-061
- Weight: 0.4 kg
- Dimensions: 5 x 12 x 3.5 cm