Extremely rare! Fortune teller's basket CHOKWE, DR Congo, 1900-1920
Overview
Extremely rare! And even rarer... exceptionally complete!
Diviner’s basket of a Nganga (a type of shaman) from the Chokwe people of the DR Congo.
This is truly a museum piece!!
The indigenous name is Ngombo Ya Cisuk. The basket itself can be dated between 1900–1920. Several of the attributes inside are certainly older. For instance, there is a hyena tooth that is demonstrably older than 1900, based on the crackle patterns on its surface. Hyena teeth are among the strongest in the animal kingdom. I will describe some of the objects in the basket below. Please note that it is the nganga himself who determines the symbolic meaning of each item! After listing some objects, I’ll provide a more general explanation of their symbolic value and role in the divination system and cultural context. As mentioned, meaning and symbolism may vary depending on the nganga’s interpretation.
The rather flat, greyish object is a dried toad.
The basket contains no fewer than 6 wooden figurines, called tuphele. Among them is a figure depicting a disabled person, which would have been used in healing rituals. There’s also a heart-shaped figure symbolizing feminine energy and love. The meanings of the remaining figures are open to interpretation, described below.
Further contents include various animal bones, a tiny skull—most likely of a tree mouse or link rat, a mythical nocturnal animal in Congolese belief, almost impossible to catch. These creatures feed on the ground but live in burrows and tree nests. They often appear in voodoo or Nganga-related settings. Also included is a round plant-based object with two knots, shells, nuts, beads, a tiny shield, a type of metal ring, a small rattle gourd, a coin, jungle nuts, a stone bead, a bamboo pipe, and more!
Basket dimensions: 28 cm diameter, 7 cm high
Total weight: 704 grams
Dating: circa 1900!!
Provenance: Purchased in situ in 1958 by Mr. Winand from Kontich, Belgium. This is the established provenance.
The basket has never before been shown online or offered for sale! It comes directly from the private collection of Mr. Winand.
Below is an interpretation of the basket’s contents for those interested:
📸 Photo of the individual wooden figures in a row
Here you see seven wooden objects, each with a distinct shape and function:
Left – Curved object (ear-shaped or serpentine?)
Possible meanings:Could symbolize listening, communication, or serpent energy (often powerful, healing, or dangerous in African symbolism).
May represent an ear → communication with ancestors or spirits.
Two upright human figures (male/female?)
Often represent specific people in the consulter's life: relatives, rivals, ancestors, or spirits.
Gender or attributes can hint at the nature of the issue (e.g. conflict, love, inheritance).
Small abstract human shapes
Sometimes associated with children, spirits of the deceased, or undeveloped ideas/situations.
Fork-shaped object (two prongs)
May symbolize division, choice, or duality (decisions or conflict).
Heart-shaped object (furthest right)
Resembles a heart or leaf: likely represents love, emotion, or feminine energy.
The disabled figure, already mentioned, used in healing-related rituals.
🧺 Photo of the complete basket
The basket contains a ritual collection of:
🧍 Figures & symbolic sculptures
• As described above, these objects are placed or cast and interpreted based on their relative positions.
🐚 Animal remains (bones, teeth, skull)
• Represent the connection to nature and ancestral powers.
• A skull may stand for a specific spiritual guide or indicate a deceased relative seeking contact. In this case, it’s the skull of a tree mouse as mentioned earlier.
⚪ Buttons, discs, beads
• Buttons and round items symbolize cycles, connections, or closures.
• Beads often carry healing or protective power.
🐚 Shell
• Cowrie shells are universally used in African divination: symbolizing wealth, fertility, prosperity, or the voice of the ancestors. Assume this shell carries at least part of that symbolic meaning.
🦷 Hyena tooth
• Symbol of strength, masculinity, or spiritual power.
🛡️ Turtle shell fragment
• Represents wisdom, patience, and connection with earth ancestors.
🦔 Porcupine quill – An especially interesting piece, both symbolically and functionally:
🌿 Symbolism of the porcupine quill
Protection and defense
The quill represents defense, self-protection, and vigilance. In many African cultures, the porcupine is admired for defending itself without initiating attack.
Spiritually, the quill symbolizes protection from evil spirits, curses, or psychic attacks.
Truth and piercing deception
The quill acts as a spiritual needle that “pierces” lies or reveals hidden truths. In a divination setting, it helps the diviner see through deception or illusion.
Spiritual sharpness
Its sharpness also symbolizes insight, clarity, and intuitive precision. It aids the nganga in discerning the core of an issue.
Connection to the spirit world
Sometimes interpreted as an antenna or conduit—helping the diviner receive messages from the invisible world.
🧿 Functional role in a diviner's basket
The divination basket often holds dozens of objects, each with its own spiritual meaning: bones, shells, beads, animal parts, bits of metal, etc. The porcupine quill is:
• Used as a symbolic pointer or ritual instrument
• Interpreted based on how and where it lands during casting
• Seen as an indicator of needed protection, deeper inquiry, or heightened awareness
The quill is part of a broader symbolic system, fully understood only by initiates. Symbolic meaning may vary subtly by region or ethnic group.
A porcupine quill in a Congolese diviner's basket represents protection, truth-seeking, insight, and spiritual contact. It helps the diviner “pierce” hidden realities and is seen as a potent tool against spiritual threats.
🔮 How is this interpreted?
The nganga (divination master) tosses or shakes the basket, interpreting the position of each item relative to the others using symbolism and intuition.
Examples:
• A figure near a tooth or bone → influence of a deceased person
• A “heart” turned away from other objects → emotional distance or loneliness
• A fork between two human figures → conflict or a major decision
📚 Conclusion
This Ngombo ya Cisuka holds a rich symbolic universe—each item tells part of a story. Ultimately, it’s the nganga who determines the function and meaning. The power of the system lies in the relationships between the objects, not just their individual meanings. The basket is therefore a living oracle: a tool for communication between humans, nature, and ancestors.
I’ve tried to give this extraordinary object a narrative around its possible symbolism and use.
Let me reiterate: such objects are far rarer than, say, a Bacongo Nkisi, and this is an exceptionally richly filled basket!!
A true showpiece in any ethnographic collection.
(A piece like this would sell at BRAFA or PFM Paris between €3,000 and €5,000.)
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