Ivory Coast - Oracle's mice box Gbékré sé Baoulé

Ivory Coast
Oracle's mice box Gbékré sé Baoulé
Delivered with certificat of authenticity
Mid-twentieth century
22 x 15 Cm / 1,150 Kg
Wood, plant-based fibres, metal
Base, optional (please contact us)

Still used today in divination rituals in the south-west region of Baoulé, this African art tribal object, Gbekré sè ou Gbéklé sè, consist of a meditating figurehead leaning against a circular receptacle with lid closed with plant fibre rope. A mouse, considered like a messenger for the earthly gods, would live in the lower compartment where its moving of the objects was interpreted as an answer to the question asked to the fortune-telling sorcerer. The object is equipped with a carrying strap. The metal plate underneath the box has been perforated to allow the mice to be in contact with the earth spirits. grainy uneven patina.

Ref: Mathilde Buratti: "Boxes used with mice for divination".
The divination of mice living in boxes tradition seems to come from the Gouro, but has also been used by the Yohouré.