Kuba (Zaire) Divining Figure Wood Kuba (Zaire) Divining Figure Wood

These divination objects or friction oracles are most widely used by the Kuba people of Zaire and Central Africa. These objects consist of two distinct elements: the carved figure or itombwa and the round rubbing knob. Having oiled the figure, a diviner would use the knob to rub across the long, flattened back of the carved figure while asking questions regarding people, places, events, in order to gain information about anything from criminal activities to cures for disease. It is believed that when the knob sticks to the oily surface of the itombwa, the oracle has been heard. Kuba divination objects are often carved in the form of crocodiles, hornbills, pigs, dogs, and elephants. Some depict human heads or full figures. These human figural examples are designed with the head turned upwards towards the sky in a manner consistent with the West African belief system. Some itombas are designed with two heads positioned at both ends of the divination object.