Mouse oracle – Terracotta – Baule – Ivory Coast

Mouse oracles were used by diviners. A mouse was placed in the upper part with some rice. When the mouse moved, the rice was displaced. Then the diviner made predictions by “reading” the position of the rice, moved by the mouse. The mouse oracle is made from terracotta and is in good condition with a great patina of use.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.