Derived from the Greek agalma ('figure') and manteia ('divination'), a form of divination by means of statues. It is closely related to Idolomancy.

In ancient times, when temple priests were trained in the art of making automata, allegedly huge metal or stone statues were made to come to life and make utterances about the future. Also there was a widespread believe that spirits were capable of inhabiting statues, and could be made to reveal secrets of futurity by those who knew how.