Luba, Democratic Republic of the Congo
19th century
Wood
Height 5 1/4"
Provenance: Constance McCormick Fearing, Santa Barbara, CA, before 1960
During divination sessions, a diviner and client each inserted their fingers into the rectangular opening of this sculpture and held it together as it was moved across a woven mat. The friction and motion produced the characteristic sound shekesheke, from which the instrument takes its name, kashekesheke. Through this process, problems were identified, histories of misfortune traced, and clarity brought to circumstances otherwise beyond ordinary understanding.
The figure is carved with a finely detailed profile head turned to one side, surmounted by a boldly ridged fan crest spreading laterally above the skull. The body is reduced to a compact rectangular frame, open at the center, with the lower section retaining a separate fitted piece secured at the sides. The surface carries a deep brown patina consistent with age and sustained handling.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Luba, Democratic Republic of the Congo
19th century
Wood
Height 5 1/4"
Provenance: Constance McCormick Fearing, Santa Barbara, CA, before 1960
During divination sessions, a diviner and client each inserted their fingers into the rectangular opening of this sculpture and held it together as it was moved across a woven mat. The friction and motion produced the characteristic sound shekesheke, from which the instrument takes its name, kashekesheke. Through this process, problems were identified, histories of misfortune traced, and clarity brought to circumstances otherwise beyond ordinary understanding.
The figure is carved with a finely detailed profile head turned to one side, surmounted by a boldly ridged fan crest spreading laterally above the skull. The body is reduced to a compact rectangular frame, open at the center, with the lower section retaining a separate fitted piece secured at the sides. The surface carries a deep brown patina consistent with age and sustained handling.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
