Lot: 341

91 Tribal Art Auction

Divination implement "galukoji"

D. R. Congo, Pende, Kwilu-Kasai

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
Christie's, Paris, 16 June 2009, lot 276 H: 5.3 inch (mask);
L: 29.9 inch (expanded)
This object is not available anymore.

wood, bamboo, plant fibre, colour pigments, brass tags, feathers,
During a consultation, the diviner would lay the instrument on his knees with the head facing up. He held it by inserting his finger at some point in the crossbars while names of individuals suspected of crimes were recited. In response to the mention of the culprit's name, the "galukoji" sprang upward, approaching the diviner's head.


LaGamma, Alisa, Art and Oracle, New York 2000, p. 43