ngunja (carved chair)

unrecorded Chokwe artist, artist

ngunja (carved chair), late 1800s–1908

Where object was made: Angola

Material/technique: carving; wood; leather

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 49.5 x 24 x 39 cm
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 19 1/2 x 9 7/16 x 15 3/8 in

Credit line: Gift of Claude D. Brown

Accession number: 2007.3154

Not on display

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Label texts

Exhibition Label: “Conversation I: Place,” Oct-2007, Emily Stamey
The European form of these thrones was likely introduced to the Chokwe by Portuguese traders in the 18th century. Most of the objects and figures carved on them, however, depict traditional Chokwe customs and beliefs.

Exhibition Label:
"Chokwe Art from the Claude D. Brown Collection," Feb-2000
The back of this throne is decorated with intricate carved designs and the head of the masquerade figure Chihongo, who symbolizes courtly wealth and power. Two heads of another masquerade figure, Cikunza, flank Chihongo, representing fertility and the power of initiation. The characteristics of these figures would have been associated with the chief, supporting and promoting his position.