divination board in elephant form

Culture
Kuba people
Creation date
Collection
African
Materials
wood, pigment
Dimensions
L: 9 1/8 in.
Currently On View
Credit line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg
Accession number
1989.1190A
Gallery Label

Divination boards were developed to harness spiritual forces and receive guidance from them. A ritual specialist, or diviner, rubs the back of the board with a small piece of wood while revealing potential solutions to a problem. Whatever he is saying when the piece of wood sticks to the board is the correct solution given by the spirits. These devices can help solve problems, such as illness, conflict, weather and moral dilemmas.

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