Chokwe Throne Chair

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

Description:  Chair upper strut figures feature high relief stylized ancestral representations (to be found on Chokwe and related peoples combs, spoons, flywhisks, drums and thum 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.  figures stylized ancestral figures 

Dimensions:  31in. Height (13.5in. Height Seat) x 18in. Depth x 17in. Width

Condition:  Very good; some loss to figures; see upper right crown finial male figure hands missing, center bottom male figure missing lower portion of leg-foot/female figure missing leg, rear female figure on right side bottom is missing left arm, general light abrasion, wear at extremities, worn leather seat with (7) tears (approx. .5 to 1in. each), structurally sound.  A very well crafted piece.  

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.