Early 20th Century Chokwe Throne Chair, Central Africa

Description

Offered is a fine Chokwe cultural treasure, the chair features upper strut figures of high relief stylized ancestral representations (to … more Offered is a fine Chokwe cultural treasure, the chair features upper strut figures of high relief stylized ancestral representations (to be found on Chokwe and related peoples combs, spoons, flywhisks, drums and thumb pianos), leather stretched seat cover, surround base is elaborately ornamented with figurative scenes - a symbolic microcosm of life, over various other areas are low relief geometric carvings and other stylized ancestral figures.

Origin: Southern part of Congo (Kinshasa, Central Africa).

Provenance: Ex-William K Ehrenfeld, prominent collector of Hindustani art.

Background: Chokwe and related peoples transformed functional objects into prestige court art commemorating the power and status of the chief. Chokwe thrones included elaborate figurative scenes - a symbolic microcosm of life - or depictions of ancestors and chiefs. The chairs are amongst the few African objects not carved from a single piece of wood, but instead assembled in parts we call struts. Owners of the status symbols were invariably chiefs or headmen. less