Chokwe Miniature Figure Congo MATTER COLLECTION

The Chokwe share stylistic elements with a number of distinct but related peoples in Angola and the Congo. The most prominent of these peoples are the Chokwe but also include the Ovimbundu, Lunda, Lwena, Luvala, Minungu, Mbwela, Songo, and Imbangala. This is an area that has shared stylistic elements and figural forms based upon common mythologies and ritual practices possibly showing influences of Tabwa or Luba sculptural styles. Figures such as this could be found among a number of these groups and at the same time she may indeed not come from this large constellation of differing peoples but from a neighboring group influenced by them.

Provenance: Matter Collection

From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much.

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