Chokwe
Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia
Examples and information for
reference purposes
Stool with mother-and-child figure
Chokwe or Minungu, Angola, Lovua area
19th or early 20th century
Wood, metal, H. 22 in.
Collection of Darwin and Gery Reedy
The mother-and-child motif on this caryatid stool symbolically reinforces Chokwe precepts regarding the
matrilineal inheritance of royal titles. The female figure physically supports the chief seated on the stool,
literally nurtures her child, and metaphor¬cally sustains her community. The elaborate body scarifications
represent a woman who has undergone different types of initiation. They identify the ancestor as a mature
and fulfilled woman.
From the book: Chokwe!
Mother-and-child figure
Ovimbundu, Angola
Before 1910
Wood, beads, H. 17 1/4 in.
Royal Ontario Museum, gift of Mrs. Walter Thomas Currie, HAC67

This female figure, collected among the Ovimbundu by missionary Walter Thomas Currie, wears a
typical Ovimbundu hairstyle and beaded earrings.This elegant sculpture celebrates a fulfilled
mother, thus stressing the essential role of women as the providers of life who thereby ensure the
community's continuity and prosperity.
From the book: Chokwe!
Mother-and-child figure
Chokwe, Angola/Democratic Republic
of Congo
Early to mid-20th century
Wood, H. 8 lh in.
Private collection

Mother-and-child figures are relatively rare in Chokwe art. This finely
carved example celebrates the image of a fulfilled woman proudly holding
her child. A small piece of wood was purposely cut from the figure's
buttocks, probably to be included among healing medicines.
From the book: Chokwe!