Chokwe (Batshioko, Jokwe, Tshokwe), Angola and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Chibinda Ilunga figure. More than 1 million Chokwe constitute the largest ethnic group in eastern Angola. They have also spread to the DRC and Zambia. They are governed by a king, who distributes hunting grounds and cultivated areas; while the male Mugonge society and female Ukule societies regulate their social life. These people are agriculturists and also great hunters and collectors of honey. Chokwe sculptors were the most famous of the region and have influenced the art of many neighboring peoples. This figure commemorates Chibinda Ilunga, the royal Luba hunter who lived in 15^th century. He revitalized Lunda notions of royalty and introduced the concept of “sacred kingship.” Chibinda Ilunga was the youngest son of the great Luba chief Kalala Ilunga. He got married a Lunda queen Lueji. Chibinda Ilunga was the start of the sacred dynasty of the Mwata Yamvo of the Lunda and became the model of the hunting and civilizing hero. In this sculpture celebrating Chibinda as a hunter-hero and male role model, he holds a royal stick, called cisokolu and a horn containing substances that supernaturally assist the hunt.

Material:  wood

Size:   H. 25”x10”x9½”