Figure - kakishi - Luba - Congo
04
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€ 1
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
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Kakishi, a wooden Luba divination object from Congo, dating to ca. 1930–1940, measuring 18 cm high, 5 cm wide and 8 cm deep, provenance Dr. David Malik (UK), sold with a stand, in fairly good used condition with possible minor loss.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Wood
18 cm
Base
Provenance
Dr. David MALIK, UK
Literature
Art and Oracle, African art and rituals of divination, The MMOA
Kakishi is the most widely used term to designate this type of friction oracle used by the Luba; Katatora is used by the Songye.
The Kashekesheke divination ritual is performed in the following way: the diviner and the client will each hold the Kakishi by inserting their fingers into the hollow space in the body of the object prepared for this purpose.
After the diviner, usually a woman, has prepared the object to be rubbed with the juice of certain plants and various incantations to call the ancestors, the Kakishi is placed on the floor between the diviner and her client, and the latter will address his questions to the Kakishi.
By rubbing their fingers in the hollow space of the Kakishi’s body, in response to the questions asked, the object will then move in different ways that signify "yes" or "no".
As in many ceremonies, the diviner acts as interpreter to translate to the people the will of the spirits.
Seller's Story
Only online at the moment
Translated by Google TranslateWood
18 cm
Base
Provenance
Dr. David MALIK, UK
Literature
Art and Oracle, African art and rituals of divination, The MMOA
Kakishi is the most widely used term to designate this type of friction oracle used by the Luba; Katatora is used by the Songye.
The Kashekesheke divination ritual is performed in the following way: the diviner and the client will each hold the Kakishi by inserting their fingers into the hollow space in the body of the object prepared for this purpose.
After the diviner, usually a woman, has prepared the object to be rubbed with the juice of certain plants and various incantations to call the ancestors, the Kakishi is placed on the floor between the diviner and her client, and the latter will address his questions to the Kakishi.
By rubbing their fingers in the hollow space of the Kakishi’s body, in response to the questions asked, the object will then move in different ways that signify "yes" or "no".
As in many ceremonies, the diviner acts as interpreter to translate to the people the will of the spirits.
Seller's Story
Only online at the moment
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Congo
Material
Wood
Ethnic group/culture
Luba
Indigenous object name
kakishi
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Fair condition - heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing
Height
18 cm
Width
5 cm
Depth
8 cm
Estimated period
1930-1940
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