African Arts Gallery

Traditional divination instruments in Chokwe and Kongo African art sculpture.

Accessory of the diviner, this zoomorphic instrument intended for divination is now without its pusher. The latter, in the form of a wooden button, was rubbed on the flat part of the object in order to know the answer to the questions asked. These tools, used to solve various problems, take up animal motifs associated with the spirits of nature but also decorative motifs in use. The Lunda would be at the origin of divination among the Chokwe. Abraded velvety patina, ocher brown.
Peacefully settled in eastern Angola until the 16th century, the Chokwé were then subjected to the Lunda empire from which they inherited a new hierarchical system and the sacredness of power. Nevertheless, the Chokwé never fully adopted these new social and political contributions. The Chokwé did not have centralized power but large chiefdoms. They were the ones who attracted artists wishing to put their know-how at the exclusive service of the court. The artists created so many varied pieces and of such quality that the Lunda court only employed them.