Lot: 431

87th Tribal Art Auction

Divination pestle "lubuko"

D. R. Congo, Luba/Kanyok

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
H: 11.8 inch This object is not available anymore.

wood, dark brown patina, remains of pigments, in shape of a human head rising from overlong neck with round base (commonly wrapped with hide), min. dam., small missing parts, fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion.
Used for "lubuko", the most common Luba term for "divination". They probably are also used to mix a pinch of chalk with medicinal substances that are dispensed to patients.


Herreman, Frank, To cure and protect, New York 1999, p. 31, ill. 45