Wooden bowl containing shells, bones and nut kernels, South Africa, 1890-1924

Set of 18 bones, four pieces of nut shell, three shells

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Set of 18 bones, four pieces of nut shell, three shells
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Set of 18 bones, four pieces of nut shell, three shells, (one cowrie) and two nut kernels, all contained inside a shallow wooden bowl, South African, 1890-1924

A wooden bowl containing shells, bones and nut kernels, used by South African diviners. In many African countries the cause of disease can be diagnosed by divination. Diviners throw the objects onto a mat and interpret their pattern.

Details

Category:
Ethnography and Folk Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A657974
Materials:
bone, animal, shell, cowrie shell, nut kernel and bowl, wood
Measurements:
overall: 60 mm 210 mm,
type:
divination bowl
credit:
British Empire Exhibition. Nigerian Sect