Eastern Angola – DRC – Zambia

Chokwe

Wood
Collected in 1990s
Length: 8 1/4 inches
Aerophone – Edge-blown – Flute/Whistle

Chokwe stylized chief figures or “mwanangana,” are always portrayed with an elaborate ceremonial headdress.  A bulging, domelike forehead and large eyes suggest mental acuity and keen eyesight. The sweeping curves and swelling volumes of the distinctive headdress, depicts an actual Chokwe crown made of cloth-covered basketry. This chief whistle/flute was obtain in the Great Lakes region in the early 1990 – Mark & Mary Jo Wentzel Collection.