Chokwe Chibinda Ilunga Figure Holding Staff Congo

Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.

Damage/Repair: Two cracks on base and back of head, crack on thigh, some surface scratches. See photos for details

A Chokwe standing male figure holding a staff in one hand and a pipe in the other hand. The elaborate coiffure and other sculptural details, and the attached beard recall those found in Chokwe statues of the cultural Lunda hero known as Chibinda Ilunga, a 'civilizing' figure for the Chokwe. Chibinda Ilunga came from the Luba area to the Lunda and married a princess, etc., etc. But brought 'civilizing' cultural elements of the Lunda and became a ruler there. Long and complex story with love, sex, violence, and a lot of unhappy brothers who left.

Larger carving such are used as memorial figure to commemorate royal ancestors and the former titleholders.

DL1022