Memory board – Wood – Luba – DR Congo

Divination tablets are used by Luba diviners. Good condition with clear traces of tribal use. Old Luba memory board from DR Congo. Lukasa, "the long hand" (or claw), is a memory device that was created, manipulated and protected by the Bambudye, a once powerful secret society of the Luba. Lukasa are examples of Luba art. Court historians known as bana balute ("men of memory") run their fingertips across the surface of a lukasa or point to its features while reciting genealogies, king lists, maps of protocol, migration stories, and the great Luba Epic, a preeminent oral narrative that records how the culture heroes, Mbidi Kiluwe and his son Kalala Ilunga, introduced royal political practices and etiquette. Provenance: former private collection from Germany.

Object:	Divination Board
Ethnic group:	Yoruba
Country:	Nigeria
Material:	Wood
Period:	Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:	No
Dimensions:	26x11x5 cm
Weight:	300 gram
Condition:	Good condition, used with some signs of wear