Chokwe statue - Angola

Origin. Angola
Name of the tribe. Chokwe
Material. Wood. Upholstery nails.
Dimension. 46 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h open.

This sculpture is a representative piece of Chokwe art (originating mainly from present-day Angola, as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia).

The hairstyle: The statue features an elaborate hairstyle, finely carved with a checkerboard or grid pattern, characteristic of the Chokwe style, evoking the traditional intricate hairstyles often worn by the elite.
The face: The face displays the classic features of the style: a broad, smooth forehead, almond-shaped eyes, a fine nose, and a slightly parted mouth, all dominated by a pronounced and pointed chin. The expression is serene, almost contemplative.
The body and the decoration: It is an anthropomorphic standing figure. The silhouette is stylized with a marked chest. The most striking aspect is the ornamentation by metal nails (probably brass or copper) embedded in wood. These nails are arranged on:
The neck around (like an ornamental collar).
The top of the shoulders.
The chest and abdomen, following a vertical line.
Geometric motifs are also visible at the level of the lower abdomen.
Style and symbolism

Use and significance: In Chokwe culture, these statues, often called akishi or associated with ancestors, are not merely decorative objects. They served as supports for communicating with the spirit world, guardians of lineage, or symbols of social status for chiefs and notable people.
Craftsmanship: The finesse of the work on the hairstyle and the precise inlay of metallic elements testify to the great know-how of the Chokwe sculptors, renowned for their technical mastery and refined aesthetic sense.
These visual elements, notably the shape of the chin, the checkerboard hairstyle, and the use of decorative metallic nails, confirm its stylistic belonging to the rich Chokwe sculptural tradition."