Chief's throne "citwamo ca mangu" · Angola, Chokwe · ID: 3049054
sold
EUR 1,500
Size
H: 73,5 cm (backrest) / 36 cm (seat)
H: 28.9 inch (backrest) / 14.2 inch (seat)
Description
wood, hide, rest.
Chief’s throne portraying the ideal male (“cihongo”) flanked by two young female (“mwana pwo”) figures. The struts between the chair legs carved with figural scenes from Chokwe daily or ceremonial life.
These chairs were among the insignia of tribal chiefs and were an expression of their worldly power and authority. Their shape is inspired by European models.
For a formally comparable chair collected in the 1930s, see AHDRC 0002383. A further one published in David & Merzeder, Chokwe and their Bantu neighbours, Zurich 2003, ill. 033.
Comparing literature
David, Jean & Gerhard Merzeder, Chokwe and their Bantu neighbours, Zurich 2003, ill. 033