Lot 289: A superb Chokwe figure

Chokwe, Angola; H:14"

Of classical form, executed in a deep reddish brown hard wood, with remains of old blackened encrustations. Fine incised royal coiffure.

Comments:
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. 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 prowess in hunting. 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.

Provenance:
- Zollman Collection, IND
- Gelbard collection, NY

Publication History:
Remnants of Ritual: Selections from the Gelbard collection of African Art (2003) Bourgeois & Rodolitz; Pg. 44, Fig. 98

Exhibition History:
Exhibition History: USA: "Remnants of Ritual, Selections from the Gelbard Collection of African Art":
- University Park, IL: Governors State University, February 2003
- Krannert, IL: Krannert Art Museum, 26 August-26 October, 2003
- Kansas City, MO: Belger Art Foundation/UNIVERSITY of Missouri-
Kansas City, 2004
- Park Forest, IL: Tall Grass Art Association, 2005

Price Realized: $20,000

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