Mouse Oracle
Baule · Côte d’Ivoire
Reference: RLC-40
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- Height
- 26 cm
- Material
- Wood and pigments
Of all the divinatory practices employed in Africa, one of the most well-known in the Western world is undoubtedly the oracle of baulé mice. It is…
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Full original description
Of all the divinatory practices employed in Africa, one of the most well-known in the Western world is undoubtedly the oracle of baulé mice. It is a wooden container, with two floors inside. On the lower floor, separated by a small platform or floor from the upper, the fortune teller introduces a small mouse to fast. On the upper floor he has previously arranged some sticks, some pieces of wood or cauris Add some rice, cereal, or any other food. Attracted by the smell of food, the mouse rises, through a hole intended for this purpose in the separation plate of both floors, and when eating the food displaces the sticks or cauris. Meanwhile the fortune teller has closed his top floor and pronounced ritual enchantments. Then the new order of objects provoked by the mouse is interpreted by the soothsayer, immersed in meditation.
The mouse, as an animal very much in contact with the earth, has a close relationship with the goddess of the earth Asyé, wife of the God of Heaven Niamyé. Small oracles using a cricket instead of a mouse are also commonly used.
The lid of this oracle is topped with the typical leather chair. Dark patina.
Further technical information
- Width
- 18 cm
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Côte d’Ivoire. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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