African stool from the Chokwe - Angola.





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With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
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Description from the seller
African stool from the Chokwe, Angola.
Height: 34 cm; diameter 25 cm. (one arm is missing.)
The Chokwe are members of a large cultural cluster that now resides in central Angola, parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia. This cluster comprises several different but related peoples, the most prominent of which are the Chokwe, but it also includes the Lunda, Ovimbundu, Lwena, Luvala, Mbwela, and Imbangala. Due to complex interactions among these groups, the region shares stylistic elements and figurative forms rooted in common mythologies and ritual practices. The current mask called Mwana Pwo depicts a beautiful young woman and symbolizes the female ancestor. The Mwana Pwo mask appears during initiation and circumcision ceremonies for young boys (Mukanda). It also features in the induction of new chiefs, funerals, fertility rituals, and public entertainment. During performances, Mwana Pwo is always accompanied by male character masks such as Cihongo or Cikunza. The dancer portraying Mwana Pwo attracts a large audience, especially women. The grace and elegant gestures of the Pwo mask teach Chokwe women to act gracefully. Mwana Pwo embodies all the positive qualities of an ideal woman and serves as a role model for the Chokwe.
Seller's Story
African stool from the Chokwe, Angola.
Height: 34 cm; diameter 25 cm. (one arm is missing.)
The Chokwe are members of a large cultural cluster that now resides in central Angola, parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia. This cluster comprises several different but related peoples, the most prominent of which are the Chokwe, but it also includes the Lunda, Ovimbundu, Lwena, Luvala, Mbwela, and Imbangala. Due to complex interactions among these groups, the region shares stylistic elements and figurative forms rooted in common mythologies and ritual practices. The current mask called Mwana Pwo depicts a beautiful young woman and symbolizes the female ancestor. The Mwana Pwo mask appears during initiation and circumcision ceremonies for young boys (Mukanda). It also features in the induction of new chiefs, funerals, fertility rituals, and public entertainment. During performances, Mwana Pwo is always accompanied by male character masks such as Cihongo or Cikunza. The dancer portraying Mwana Pwo attracts a large audience, especially women. The grace and elegant gestures of the Pwo mask teach Chokwe women to act gracefully. Mwana Pwo embodies all the positive qualities of an ideal woman and serves as a role model for the Chokwe.
