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 excellen
...t sound condition throughout.
Length 17,3/8'' or 440mm
Height 2,1/2'' or 66mm
Weight 427grams.
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Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA808400
Dateline of this antique is 1900
Height is 6.6cm (2.6inches)Width is 44cm (17.3inches)Depth is 5.5cm (2.2inches)
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