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Type:	ritual object
Ethnic Group:	Kuba (Bakuba)
Country:	Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
ECU Number:	L0165
Description:	This Kuba wood divination animal, itoombwa, is of attenuated form, with carved designs and pigment.
Significance researched to date:	Made of wood, this Òrubbing oracleÓ was used as a divination tool. The diviner rubbed the wooden attachment over the back of the animal figure. If it stuck, the person was guilty. ÒA crocodile never liesÓ was a local saying. This piece appears to be a crocodile, simplified and abstracted, with notched teeth and a long tail. Representative Kuba diamond designs are carved on the side, legs and tail. Evidence of red pigment, possibly tukula powder, is visible in the recessed areas.(Fagg, 32, Pruitt lecture 11/10/93, Torday quoted in /Walker, 10-110)