Angola, Zambia, and DRC

Chokwe

Ivory
ca. Early-Mid 20th century
Length: 28 inches
Aerophone – Lip Vibrated – Horn

This elaborate Chokwe “Chibinda Ilunga” figurative ivory horn was carved by a professional artist. It portrays the legendary hunter and royal ancestor of the Chokwe people in an elaborate headgear with rolled side elements as a sign of his royal rank. This sculpture conveys the physical strength and stealth of the hunter’s body as well as sensitivity in the pose of bent knees to portray serving and the gesturing of his hands to his abdomen to ask for good health and internal strength.