Baule mouse-oracle traditions

Overview

UMMA describes a Baule mouse oracle with connected chambers. A mouse moves toward flour-coated sticks above, rearranging them for a diviner to interpret in response to a question.

The museum relates this practice to beliefs about access to earth spirits and ancestors. These are attributed religious explanations, not verified supernatural effects or a claim that all Baule communities share the practice.

History & identity

Selected practice witness.

Sources & representation

Attributed source account.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Mouse Oracle Pot with lid

   University of Michigan Museum of Art

Language & cultural connections

Source-supported language and cultural connections have not yet been compiled for this profile.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Museum accountMouse Oracle Pot with lidResearch access: 2026-10-17

Image credits

AI context study; not an authenticated oracle vessel.