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African & Tribal Art :
Chokwe : Chokwe Wooden Sceptre
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Chokwe Wooden Sceptre - LSO.555
Origin: Angola/Zaire
Circa: 1870
AD
to 1920
AD
Dimensions:
11.5" (29.2cm) high
Collection: African Art
Medium: Wood
£1,800.00
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
This sceptre was made by the Chokwe (or
Tchokwe) people of Angola and Zaire. These
symbols of office, which were owned and used by
dignitaries as emblems of their status, came in a
wide array of styles that reflect the specific
histories of social units within the Tchokwe
polity. Local rulers (mwanangana) headed a
complex and multifaceted court structure that
included the administration of the
magicoreligious, economic and social spheres
and their authority was reinforced by the regalia
and artefacts created for them by artists hired
specifically for that purpose. They are therefore
highly prized and are rarely seen in such good
condition as the current example. At 11.5" long
it is relatively compact and is formed from a
single piece of light wood that has become
darkened through age and use. The lower third
of the shaft is shaped to form a gripping handle
and demonstrates considerable wear. The
remainder of the shaft and finial have a glossy,
dark patina. The shaft apex is marked by a
transverse band of hatched design. The finial is
carved into the form of a seated man, his hands
cupping his chin and his elbows on his knees.
The upright position, the headwear, the seat
upon which he is sitting and his haughty
expression all suggest that it represents a person
of considerable social status-perhaps the
individual for whom the sceptre was intended.
The care with which the facial features have been
carved, right down to the cingelyengelye
(forehead scarring)- and the obvious use that it
has received mark this as being a high status
artefact of exceptional quality.
- (LSO.555)
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