Chief's throne with figural decoration
Angola, Chokwe
not available anymore
Provenance
French CollectionSize
M: 33,5 cm x 34 cm (seat)
H: 76,5 cm
M: 13.2 inch x 13.4 inch (seat)
H: 30.1 inch
Description
wood, animal skin, brass tags,
The back of this chair is decorated with a chieftain mask “chihongo”, a symbol of courtly wealth and power. The legs of the chair are carved with a pair of ancestors, between them scenes taken from everyday life or ceremonial occasions.
These chairs were status symbols of the chief and expression of their power and authority as well as a sign of maximum spiritual power.