Galukoji
African, Pende
Wood, fiber, feathers; 23 in.
The Barry D. Maurer (Class of 1959) Collection of African art purchased with Amherst College Discretionary Fund and funds from H. Axel Schupf (Class of 1957).
AC 1999.56
Ceremonial. The carving depicts a human head with a headdress of feathers bound to the forehead with fibers. The carving is attached to a framework of a series of cylindrical pegs held together at their ends and centers with knotted vegetable fibers. In use, the diviner consults the instrument by setting it upon his knees, head up, and projecting the head upwards at desired moment by inserting a finger in the crossbars, as evidence of the oracle's pronouncement. The oracular head stylistically resembles large-scale face masks.