Chief's Effigy - Chokwe - Angola
03
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Origin. Angola
Tribe name. Chokwe
Material. Wood
Dimension. 28 cm
Shipping mode Colissimo within 24-48h; open
This sculpture is a classic representation of Chokwe (or Tshokwe) art, a Central African people mainly located in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia.
The most distinctive element is the monumental fan-shaped or curved disk headdress.
Meaning: It symbolizes power and high social status. It draws inspiration from the elaborate hairstyles worn by chiefs during justice ceremonies or fertility rites.
Symbolism: This form often evokes the Cihongo spirit, a masculine spirit representing wealth and earthly power.
The face features Chokwe beauty and authority canons:
Eyes: Often sculpted "coffee bean" or almond-shaped, with heavy eyelids, suggesting introspection and wisdom.
Mouth: The lips are full and slightly parted, a typical trait of statuary from the Kwango region.
Patina: The surface is dark, smooth, and glossy, the result of applying pigments and oils (such as palm oil) to protect the wood and give it a sacred appearance.
The figure is depicted seated or crouching, which marks dignity.
The object: It appears to hold a ritual object or a musical instrument (perhaps a sanza or a drum). Among the Chokwe, art and music are intrinsically linked to the transmission of knowledge and the maintenance of social order.
Hands: The fingers are often finely detailed, showing the sculptor’s high technical mastery.
These statues are not mere decorations; they are objects of power. They served as supports for the spirits of royal ancestors. A chief surrounded himself with such effigies to:
- Legitimize his authority.
- Ensure the protection of his people.
- Act as an intermediary between the world of the living and the spirits.
Expert note: Chokwe art is one of the most famous in Africa for its perfect balance between anatomical realism and symbolic stylization. This piece is a fine example of how physical strength and spiritual strength are fused into a single work.
Origin. Angola
Tribe name. Chokwe
Material. Wood
Dimension. 28 cm
Shipping mode Colissimo within 24-48h; open
This sculpture is a classic representation of Chokwe (or Tshokwe) art, a Central African people mainly located in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia.
The most distinctive element is the monumental fan-shaped or curved disk headdress.
Meaning: It symbolizes power and high social status. It draws inspiration from the elaborate hairstyles worn by chiefs during justice ceremonies or fertility rites.
Symbolism: This form often evokes the Cihongo spirit, a masculine spirit representing wealth and earthly power.
The face features Chokwe beauty and authority canons:
Eyes: Often sculpted "coffee bean" or almond-shaped, with heavy eyelids, suggesting introspection and wisdom.
Mouth: The lips are full and slightly parted, a typical trait of statuary from the Kwango region.
Patina: The surface is dark, smooth, and glossy, the result of applying pigments and oils (such as palm oil) to protect the wood and give it a sacred appearance.
The figure is depicted seated or crouching, which marks dignity.
The object: It appears to hold a ritual object or a musical instrument (perhaps a sanza or a drum). Among the Chokwe, art and music are intrinsically linked to the transmission of knowledge and the maintenance of social order.
Hands: The fingers are often finely detailed, showing the sculptor’s high technical mastery.
These statues are not mere decorations; they are objects of power. They served as supports for the spirits of royal ancestors. A chief surrounded himself with such effigies to:
- Legitimize his authority.
- Ensure the protection of his people.
- Act as an intermediary between the world of the living and the spirits.
Expert note: Chokwe art is one of the most famous in Africa for its perfect balance between anatomical realism and symbolic stylization. This piece is a fine example of how physical strength and spiritual strength are fused into a single work.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Angola
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Chief's Effigy - Chokwe
Height
28 cm
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