Luba Divination Carving

The Luba have a number of different forms of divination used to determine the causes of misfortune or illness or family difficulties or simply the bad side of human experiences. Some of the greatest examples of Luba art serve specific roles in divination. Among the core Luba divination is known as Kashekesheke but is also identified among their Songye neighbors as Katatora. This sculpture would be held by the diviner and the patient who would rub it on the board or possibly on a mat or even on the ground. The diviner would ask questions and the moving sculpture would provide answers through its movements and the conversation between the diviner and the patient. It would stuck and stop moving when the diviner says the right statement or answer.