Baule Oracle Box, Côte d'Ivoire #136

$ 950.00 $ 475.00

Baule Oracle Box, Côte d'Ivoire #136
These sorts of boxes are also named “Oracle Mice Boxes”. This object in wood or earthenware, was destined to Divination and accompanied the Soothsayers during theirs trips.
Technically speaking, this is a receptacle which is divided horizontally inside by a plank pierced with a hole.
The Soothsayer placed one or several starving mice in the bottom part, and during the consultation, he arranged twigs, hedgehog spines, turtle shells and some food on the top part, in a studied and neat order.
Once the pot was closed, the Soothsayer recited incantations. The starving mice instantly went to the superior part, to eat the food.
It unintentionally changed the position of the items, that the Soothsayer then tried to decipher and to interpret.
Area of collection: Côte d'Ivoire, Yamoussoukro.
Condition: very good
Measurements: 38×17×29 cm; 15" x 6.6" x 11.4"

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