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ID #SA808400
FOR SALE
£375
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Friction Oracle Crocodile Itoom Africa Kuba Drc Tribal Art Carving Wooden
Andrew Nethercott Antiques
for sale €439     $476
£375
Andrew Nethercott Antiques

Andrew Nethercott Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2020
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    Works of art, collectables, scientific and decorative antiques from the 17th - 20th century
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Friction Oracle Crocodile Itoom Africa Kuba Drc Tribal Art Carving Wooden

1900 - 1920
Description

Crocodile divining figure (itombwa)

Kuba peoples, probably 20th century, wood, metal nails

An itombwa is an instrument of divination, a practice that investigates the connections between past and present events.

A diviner would manipulate this itombwa by vigorously rubbing its concave surface with a special dowel; where friction drags and stops the dowel is where the diviner perceives a locus of connections.

Subject Matter:

Itombwa are tools used by Kuba ritual specialists to locate the source of problems in the community. By rubbing the figure's back, the diviner learns the answers to questions and can then help develop a solution to the petitioner's specific problem.

The itombwa is a cosmogram, a model of the universe.

By manipulating the model, the diviner can learn the ultimate causes of different experiences in the world, even when those causes are normally invisible.

Fine grained hardwood carving with original surface and patination

In excellent sound condition throughout.

Length 17,3/8" or 440mm

Height 2,1/2" or 66mm

Weight 427grams.

Physical Dimensions
Height
6.6cm (2.60")
Width
44cm (17.32")
Depth
5.5cm (2.17")
Declaration

Andrew Nethercott Antiques has dated this Kuba Wooden Friction Oracle to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA808400
Dealers Notes

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Shipping / Postage cost is not included in my prices.

I ship worldwide and have much experience in international customs, packing and secure shipping.

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Payment accepted by Electronic Bank Transfer, bank transfer or Cheque in the post .

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Email me

andrew.nethercott@btopenworld.com

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Description
Crocodile divining figure (itombwa)

Kuba peoples, probably 20th century, wood, metal nails

“
An itombwa is an instrument of divination, a practice that investigates the connections between past and present events.
Andrew Nethercott Antiques
fig 1. A hand-carved wooden friction oracle sculpture depicting a stylised crocodile with geometric incised patterns along its back and legs.
fig 1. Friction Oracle Crocodile Itoom Africa Kuba Drc Tribal Art Carving Wooden

A diviner would manipulate this itombwa by vigorously rubbing its concave surface with a special dowel; where friction drags and stops the dowel is where the diviner perceives a locus of connections.

Subject Matter:

fig 2. A hand-carved wooden friction oracle sculpture depicting a stylised crocodile with geometric incised patterns along its back and legs.
fig 2. Friction Oracle Crocodile Itoom Africa Kuba Drc Tribal Art Carving Wooden

Itombwa are tools used by Kuba ritual specialists to locate the source of problems in the community. By rubbing the figure's back, the diviner learns the answers to questions and can then help develop a solution to the petitioner's specific problem.

fig 3. A hand-carved wooden friction oracle sculpture depicting a stylised crocodile with geometric incised patterns along its back and legs.
fig 3. Friction Oracle Crocodile Itoom Africa Kuba Drc Tribal Art Carving Wooden

The itombwa is a cosmogram, a model of the universe.

By manipulating the model, the diviner can learn the ultimate causes of different experiences in the world, even when those causes are normally invisible.

Fine grained hardwood carving with original surface and patination

In excellent sound condition throughout.

Length 17,3/8" or 440mm

Height 2,1/2" or 66mm

Weight 427grams.

Height
6.6cm (2.60")
Width
44cm (17.32")
Depth
5.5cm (2.17")
Date of Manufacture

Andrew Nethercott Antiques has dated this Kuba Wooden Friction Oracle to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA808400
Andrew Nethercott Antiques
Andrew Nethercott Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2020

Works of art, collectables, scientific and decorative antiques from the 17th - 20th century

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Andrew Nethercott Antiques Profile Page

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A hand-carved wooden friction oracle sculpture depicting a stylised crocodile with geometric incised patterns along its back and legs.
1 / 7
Archive I A hand-carved wooden friction oracle sculpture depicting a stylised crocodile with geometric incised patterns along its back and legs.

Friction Oracle Crocodile Itoom Africa Kuba Drc Tribal Art Carving Wooden

Archive II A hand-carved wooden friction oracle sculpture depicting a stylised crocodile with geometric incised patterns along its back and legs. View II
Archive III A hand-carved wooden friction oracle sculpture depicting a stylised crocodile with geometric incised patterns along its back and legs. View III
Archive IV A hand-carved wooden friction oracle sculpture depicting a stylised crocodile with geometric incised patterns along its back and legs. View IV
Archive V A hand-carved wooden friction oracle sculpture depicting a stylised crocodile with geometric incised patterns along its back and legs. View V
Archive VI A hand-carved wooden friction oracle sculpture depicting a stylised crocodile with geometric incised patterns along its back and legs. View VI
Archive VII A hand-carved wooden friction oracle sculpture depicting a stylised crocodile with geometric incised patterns along its back and legs. View VII
Enlarged Archival View
Andrew Nethercott Antiques

Andrew Nethercott Antiques
Telephone 07855 851121
Location
Cardiff
Wales
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/andrewnethercott
Verified Since Jun 2020
Items For Sale 153
Items Sold 725
Andrew Nethercott Antiques
Andrew Nethercott Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/andrewnethercott
Verified
Jun 2020
For Sale
153
Sold
725
A hand-carved wooden friction oracle sculpture depicting a stylised crocodile with geometric incised patterns along its back and legs.
Friction Oracle Crocodile Itoom Africa Kuba DRC Tribal Art Carving Wooden
Ref: SA808400
A hand-carved wooden friction oracle sculpture depicting a stylised crocodile with geometric incised patterns along its back and legs.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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FAQs

A Kuba friction oracle, known locally as an itoom, is a traditional Congolese divination device carved from wood, historically used by Kuba diviners to answer questions and resolve disputes.

These objects are typically hand-carved from a single piece of dense hardwood, featuring geometric surface incising and smooth, patinated rub surfaces designed for functional friction testing.

Authentic examples feature specific geometric carving patterns along the flanks, signs of functional handling or rubbed wear along the back, and characteristic zoomorphic forms such as crocodiles or dogs.

These sculptured wooden objects work well placed on a bookshelf, console table, or mantelpiece to add natural texture and graphic historical interest alongside modern decorative elements.

Preserve carved wood by keeping it in a humidity-stable environment away from direct sunlight and cleaning gently with a soft dry cloth or natural microcrystalline wax.
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