Set of six divination bones, Zambia, 1880-1920

Made:
1880-1925 in Zambia
Set of six divination bones. Mashukalumbwe, Africa, 1880-1920

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Set of six divination bones. Mashukalumbwe, Africa, 1880-1920
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Set of six divination bones, carved in form of fish with familiar ring and dot design, Mashukalumbwe, Africa, 1880-1920

Divination diagnoses the cause of illness in many African communities. These bones would be cast onto a mat and the diviner would interpret the pattern. The bones are carved into the shape of fish. They are decorated with a ring and dot designs widely used in Zambia.

Details

Category:
Ethnography and Folk Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A195114
Materials:
bone
Measurements:
overall: .076 kg
overall (largest item, lying flat): 11 mm x 93 mm x 22 mm, 0.022 kg
type:
divination set
credit:
Sothebys