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A Gorgeous OLD Chokwe Tchokwe Royal Chibinda Ilunga Ancestor Figure Antique African Royal Court Art - Moxico School Style Sculpture - Angola
Collected from the: Chokwe Tchokwe peoples of Angola, Central Africa Material: Carved wood, animal hair, palm and skin oil Period: Early 20th century Dimensions: 9" height, 3" width, 2.5" depth; weight is 6.20 pounds Condition: Excellent. Held in a private Seattle collection, the condition of this exquisite carving remains unchanged from the time of its 1950's acquisition. Minor nicks, age cracks and prior repair to age cracks on headdress wings all test stable, exposed wood presents significant patination. Make special note of the animal hair beard, intricately carved details and beautiful facial features. Handling, wear, ritual oiling and age culminated in a glorious patina - truly stunning, museum quality specimen of the Moxico School Style !
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Chokwe Tchokwe Chibinda Ancestor Figure Traditions and Use: Chokwe oral tradition features Chibinda Ilunga, the prince of "sacred blood" (mulopwe), came from the eastern Luba lands ruled by his father, Kalala Ilunga. He was a passionate huntsman and, having crossed the Kalanyi-Bushimai, arrived in an area owned by the young female chieftain of the Lunda, Lweji. She was the keep of the traditional symbol of authority, the bracelet or lukano, inherited from her father, Konde; the bracelet gave its possessor seniority over other lineages and preeminence at the Council of Elders at a time when the Lunda knew nothing of centralized power and their hunters still used only bludgeons and catapults. The noble stranger, raised in more sophisticated court circles and venerated by his retinue, used weapons of metal, their efficacy reinforced by auspicious spells. Lweji, agreeably impressed by his gifts of game and attracted by her guest, welcomed Chibinda Ilunga enthusiastically to her domain; one day, after their marriage, she handed him the symbolic lukano. Her brothers and other important elders were displeased by this seizure of power and left for the west in search of new lands. They took their newly acquired customs and knowledge, transmitting these to the people occupying the high wooded plateau and fertile valleys - the land of the Chokwe or Uchokwe (also known as Tchiboco) - a land rich in game, favorable to the cultivation of cereals and vegetables, and where honey could be gathered in abundance. Through an intricate series of marriages, they became completely integrated into the local population who had a long history of wood carving. Thus, as powerful chiefdoms were formed, a court art developed in each one. Wanting to commemorate their cultural hero of yore, the rulers commissioned celebrated professional sculptors, or songi, to make images of Chibinda Ilunga. The prince was portrayed as a haughty, dignified figure with powerful musculature and exaggerated extremities, proudly wearing the royal headdress of the "Lord of the Chokwe" (mwanangana) to return the hero to his traditional role." Whether they have a truly historical value or "only" a mythological value, the oral traditions indicate a cultural community which prevailed in the region from at least the mid-nineteenth century until the end of the colonial period. See Africa: The Art of a Continent for fascinating details on this marvelously artistic culture.
Chokwe Tchokwe Tribal History "During the 15th century, a Lunda queen married a Luba prince called Tshibinda llunga. A significant number of the Lunda aristocracy so disapproved of the marriage that they migrated south to present-day Angola. Once settled, they founded several kingdoms, each headed by a god-king. These tribes are now known Tchokwe, the Luena, the Songo, the Imbagala and the Ovimbudu. Around 1860, following a major famine, the Tchokwe people migrated back towards the south and settled in Angola, at the source of the Kwango, Kasai and Lungwe rivers. The Tchokwe are governed by a king called Mwana Ngana, who distributes hunting grounds and cultivated areas; while the male Mugonge and female Ukule societies regulate their social life. The vast majority of Cholwe objects are decorated with figures and geometric motifs. Tchokwe carvers are famous for their masterpiece statues representing their royal Luba ancestor, Chibinda (or Tshibinda) Ilunga. Since the Tchokwe tribes people were in contact with European tradesmen from the 18th century onwards, some of their figures bear a European influence and, in turn, the Chokwe spread from their homeland of Angola throughout the southern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, influencing the art of many neighboring peoples, including the Lunda, Mbunda, Lovale, and Mbangani" according to Bacquart.
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Please contact us immediately if ~ for any reason ~ you are not pleased with your selection. We will gladly refund the purchase price of any item returned in its original condition within 14 days of dated delivery. Our commitment to 5 Star customer service and satisfaction ensures that YOUR satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ~ NO questions asked!
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We're delighted to combine shipments and reduce your costs, simply email your Zip/Postal Code PRIOR to making payment. All major credit cards and PayPal are gladly accepted. Payment is expected within 7 days of your purchase. In consideration of discounts given, we respectfully request immediate payment on all Best Offers unless arrangements are made prior to acceptance. Please contact us directly if other payment arrangements are necessary - we're always happy to help!
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