Divination Hammer c. 20th century

Editor: So, this is the Baule Divination Hammer, probably from the 20th century. It’s a wooden assemblage. I find the combination of the dark wood and lighter element on the bottom so striking; there is almost an inherent tension between the two... What strikes you about it? Curator: The stark contrast isn't merely visual, but deeply rooted in the socio-political structures of the Baule people. The Divination Hammer wasn’t simply a tool but an instrument wielded within a system that reinforced hierarchical power. The “hammer” embodies authority, and its use in divination rituals likely dictated social behaviors. Who held the power, who was silenced, whose futures were controlled? What questions do you think need to be asked to understand its history? Editor: It does seem very deliberate… like every piece, every curve, served a specific purpose. What about the material? Does the type of wood impact its meaning? Curator: Absolutely. Material selection would have been very intentional. Is it a locally sourced material? How does its selection reinforce connection to place and cultural knowledge? Consider how access to certain materials could have been restricted, reflecting or reinforcing existing power dynamics. Editor: So, reading the sculpture then requires unpacking these historical and social layers. It isn't just about aesthetics, but power? Curator: Precisely. This object prompts us to interrogate how cultural objects can both reflect and perpetuate social structures, impacting identities and power dynamics within the community and beyond. The snake spiraling the handle, for instance…is that symbolic of transformational wisdom, or potential menace and threat? The object seems meant to wield not just influence but active change through this interpretation. Editor: That gives me a completely new perspective. I was initially drawn to the form, but now I see how vital the socio-political context is to its reading. Thanks for that! Curator: And thanks for getting me thinking of how these types of cultural objects maintain power.