Luba Katatora oracle
Divination was a very important practice in the culture of the Songye and Luba complex, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this context, the diviners, who could be women or men, used a set of tools catalyzing supernatural and ancestral forces at the request of their clients.
Among these objects of divination, we find the Katatora or Kashekesheke oracles such as this remarkable example.
Easily identifiable, certain oracles appear in the monoxide form of a wooden ring resting on a base and surmounted by a head, in the plane sometimes transverse, sometimes longitudinal. This item has undeniable qualities.
Indeed, we notice a high sculptural quality by the balance of the face as well as by the care given to the details of the base. The dark and lustrous appearance was given by multiple applications of palm oil as well as by the use of the piece in divination.
Finally, the head, like certain nkishi power figures, is equipped with brass nails, which, as we know, contribute to the magical power of the pieces in Basongye tribal art.
02472
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 12 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, metal
- Country
- Origin
- B. Berete Collection
- Condition
- Excellent
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Divination was a very important practice in the culture of the Songye and Luba complex, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this context, the diviners, who could be women or men, used a set of tools catalyzing supernatural and ancestral forces at the request of their clients.
Among these objects of divination, we find the Katatora or Kashekesheke oracles such as this remarkable example.
Easily identifiable, certain oracles appear in the monoxide form of a wooden ring resting on a base and surmounted by a head, in the plane sometimes transverse, sometimes longitudinal. This item has undeniable qualities.
Indeed, we notice a high sculptural quality by the balance of the face as well as by the care given to the details of the base. The dark and lustrous appearance was given by multiple applications of palm oil as well as by the use of the piece in divination.
Finally, the head, like certain nkishi power figures, is equipped with brass nails, which, as we know, contribute to the magical power of the pieces in Basongye tribal art.