Bankishi with six heads

From: the Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: late 19th - early 20th century AD

In the Congo, if you have a problem in your life you might consider visiting a diviner. It is said that diviners have special powers and can look into the future. People ask them all sorts of questions - from why someone can't have children, to who might be a thief or a witch.

This figure, called a bankishi, is used by diviners of the Luba people. Objects with special powers, such as human bones and the hair of twins, are put inside it. It has six heads to help the diviner see in all directions at once.