Eastern Angola – DRC – Zambia
Chokwe

Wood and fiber
Collected in 1990’s
Length: 7.5 inches
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

This Chokwe hunters flute/whistle comes from eastern Angola and was obtained by Mark Wentzel. Mark Wentzel started his family’s collection of African art and artifacts with cultural immersion. Over the last five decades his “immersion first” experience has continued through 17 East and West African countries. As an older student who had served in the Army’s “Presidential Honor Guard” prior to attending college, he became interested in studying abroad. He spent two years studying at the University of Sierra Leone, where he was one of seven American students. His Mende tribe roommate took him to his village for frequent holiday/break periods. This incredible opportunity is where Mark began his lifelong passion for experiencing tribes as they lived. He has traveled extensively, including numerous trips to East Africa, where he did volunteer work in remote villages. Over the past few decades he has enhanced his collection of hundreds of masks, statues, textiles, utilitarian items (including this flute from the Chokwe people of Angola) and metal currency pieces. Although remaining a private collector he has provided artifacts for several different Universities, museums and Art Gallery shows. He has field collected hundreds of artifacts and purchased items from a number of collections in Europe and the United States. His collection includes many items which are rare and exceptional artifacts.