E0153A: Zulu- Diviner's Bag

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E0153A

Classification Category:

10:Unclassifiable Artifacts

Materials:

animal ➔ hide/skin ➔ cow

Dimensions:

13 cm L
8.5 cm W

Provenance of Object:

This object was held in the museum that Luther College started in 1877. This museum eventually grew into the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, and following this, non-Norwegian American ethnographic objects were returned to Luther and accessioned into the college’s Anthropology Collection. Without additional documentation, was likely obtained by the Luther College Museum (later the Norwegian-American Museum) between the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Source Locality:

Natal, South Africa

Description:

Drawstring bag made out of cow testicle. Used as a Diviner's Bag. The Diviner (Sangoma) is an individual concerned with the psychic world. They are responsible for finding the sources of affliction for the village and its members. The sangoma will connect with an ancestral spirit to prescribe medicines through various diagnostic methods. A special calling is required and following is an intense training. The role is typically fulfilled by women, and the role is considered feminine. This has been known to vary based on location, however, the status of diviners has been symbolically feminized.

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