This Kuba wood divination animal, itoombwa, is of attenuated form, with carved designs and pigment. Made of wood, this "rubbing oracle" was used as a divination tool. The diviner rubbed the wooden attachment over the back of the animal figure. If it stuck, the person was guilty. "A crocodile never lies" was a local saying. This piece appears to be a crocodile, simplified and abstracted, with notched teeth and a long tail. Representative Kuba diamond designs are carved on the side, legs, and tail. Evidence of red pigment, possibly tukula powder, is visible in the recessed areas.
(Fagg, 32, Pruitt lecture 11/10/93, Torday quoted in /Walker, 10-110)
