Oracle Galukoji - Pende - DR Congo

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Current bid
€ 65
Reserve price not met
Dimitri André
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André

Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.

Estimate  € 220 - € 250
14 other people are watching this object
BEBidder 1539
€65
FRBidder 0550
€60
FRBidder 4158
€55

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Oracle Galukoji, a Pende ritual figure from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the mid-20th century, provenance private collection, height 34 cm, width 1 cm, depth 1 cm, in good condition.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

The Pende Galukoji oracles, originating from the Pende tradition (Democratic Republic of the Congo), are ritual figures used for divination and conflict resolution.
These statues, often anthropomorphic, embody spirits or ancestors and serve as intermediaries between humans and the invisible world.
During ceremonies, the diviner (nganga) consults the oracle by asking questions, interpreting its answers through movements, knocks, or specific positions of the statue.
The Galukoji are also sought out to identify witches, to cure illnesses, or to ease social tensions.
Their use, both spiritual and judicial, reflects a holistic view of justice and health, where the sacred and the profane intertwine. These practices, though less widespread today, remain a symbol of cultural richness pende.

Overview of our expertise firm:

Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house has been assisting collectors and families for many years, with a simple approach: seriousness, transparency and service. We enjoy a solid reputation among tribal art enthusiasts and are among the leading sellers on Catawiki, where we count ourselves among the oldest merchants (more than 8 years).

We have specialized in valuing and ensuring the liquidation and dispersion of dozens of family collections, and have sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates, inheritances, and collection cessations. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations nearing 100% positive feedback, an indicator that is worth more than any discussion of our commitment and reliability.

Pieces that have passed through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions — a guarantee of the quality and consistency of our selection throughout the year. We regularly offer no-reserve sales.

Express shipping: dispatched within 24 hours, insured, tracking (tracking), and extremely careful and secure packaging.

Contact 7 days a week: we respond quickly and remain at your disposal to advise you and document the items currently for sale.

The Pende Galukoji oracles, originating from the Pende tradition (Democratic Republic of the Congo), are ritual figures used for divination and conflict resolution.
These statues, often anthropomorphic, embody spirits or ancestors and serve as intermediaries between humans and the invisible world.
During ceremonies, the diviner (nganga) consults the oracle by asking questions, interpreting its answers through movements, knocks, or specific positions of the statue.
The Galukoji are also sought out to identify witches, to cure illnesses, or to ease social tensions.
Their use, both spiritual and judicial, reflects a holistic view of justice and health, where the sacred and the profane intertwine. These practices, though less widespread today, remain a symbol of cultural richness pende.

Overview of our expertise firm:

Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house has been assisting collectors and families for many years, with a simple approach: seriousness, transparency and service. We enjoy a solid reputation among tribal art enthusiasts and are among the leading sellers on Catawiki, where we count ourselves among the oldest merchants (more than 8 years).

We have specialized in valuing and ensuring the liquidation and dispersion of dozens of family collections, and have sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates, inheritances, and collection cessations. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations nearing 100% positive feedback, an indicator that is worth more than any discussion of our commitment and reliability.

Pieces that have passed through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions — a guarantee of the quality and consistency of our selection throughout the year. We regularly offer no-reserve sales.

Express shipping: dispatched within 24 hours, insured, tracking (tracking), and extremely careful and secure packaging.

Contact 7 days a week: we respond quickly and remain at your disposal to advise you and document the items currently for sale.

Details

Indigenous object name
Oracle Galukoji
Ethnic group/ culture
Pende
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
34 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
BelgiumVerified
855
Objects sold
97.78%
Private

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