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Name |
LUBA DIVINER kakishi |
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Background / Origin |
LUBA slit gong diviner, Zaire (D.R.C.) |
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Description |
The form of Luba divination called kashekesheke, which
is said to be older than ‘spirit possession’, provides
the ritual context for the creation of small exquisitely
carved friction devices called kakishi, rarely more than
6inches high, They have an open body for the insertion
of the fingers of client and diviner and the body is
adorned with a carving of a beautifully coiffured
woman’s head. It is a form of divination that does not
entail spirit medium ship or esoteric knowledge. Rather,
in its simplicity of ritual action it is a means for
addressing ancestral spirits when an individual is faced
with a personal crisis or great uncertainty regarding a
future course of action….similar to the Azande’s use of
iwa.
Luba Kashekesheke Divination Ritual
Kashekesheke is performed by both diviner and client.
Once the diviner (usually a woman) has prepared the
friction device with the juices of certain plants and
uttered words to invoke the spirits, the kakishi is
placed on a woven mat on the ground between the diviner
and client The suppliant addresses his or her question
to the kakishi, and then diviner and client insert their
first two fingers into the space that constitutes the
body of the device. This friction oracle moves in
various patterns, which signify yes or no answers. The
raspy sound of its movement on the woven mat is possibly
the origin of the name of the divination procedure. This
is a very fine piece in good condition although well
used. |
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Reference Number |
36/121 |
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Height |
-125mm |
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Price |
US$420 |
 
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