Figure, Chokwe; Angola
Wood, antelope horn; H. 14"
Either belonging to a paramount chief's
treasure or used at his court by ritual specialists
in large-scale mahamba curing ceremonies,
Chokwe figures of a male dignitary known as Mwanangana,
or "lord of the land," make reference
to sources of leadership and heroes of the past.
More elaborate images are said to represent the
roving Luba prince Chibinda Ilunga, who married
the Lunda chieftess Lweji and thereby began
a dynasty that integrated with later peoples at
the sources of the Kasai and Kwango rivers to become
the Chokwe. The headdress of this spectacular figure
represents the large, beaded headdresses worn by
Chokwe nobility. Crowning the head of this figure
is a small duiker antelope horn, which usually refers
to hunting prowess. In this case, the horn cavity
has been completely filled with magical materials.
The overall composition of this piece, its regal
bearing and perfectly executed proportions, point
to a place of origin in the royal courts of the
Chokwe.
