Vintage African Chokwe Snuffbox Figurine, Ultra-Rare, From Central Africa For Sale

Superb and ultra-rare Chokwe snuffbox (tobacco jar) sculpture from Central Africa (Angola/ the DRC/ Zambia). The sculpture was carved out of termite-resistant hardwood and covered with a shiny brown patina turning to dark red under the light that is still gleaming to this day.

The effigy on the lid of the piece represents the founding ancestor of the Chokwe people. Seating cross-legged on a royal platform (as to not touch the ground), it is wearing a beautiful ceremonial hairdo, the sign of high rank, and holding what seems to be a traditionalChokwemusical instrument (the Cisanji).

The top figurine detaches to reveal a box opening where tobacco was placed. This sculptureof divine origins,belonged to the chief of the village and held supernatural abilities derived from sorcery. Its spiritual powers connected the people to their ancestors’ spirits and god. It sat next to the chef during traditional rituals which included rites of passage into adulthood and marriages.

Chokwe sculptors were famous for their attention to detail and refinement in their art. The Chokwe people covered a wide area of Central Africa which includes today Eastern Angola, the Southern DRC and Zambia.

Ethnic Group: Chokwe / Tchokwe / Tschokwe

Country: Angola, Southern Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia.

Origin: Private Collection in Washington DC.

Condition: Great

Period: Early 20th Century

Specifications: 22“ x 6.25“ / 56 x 16 cm

Medium: Termite-resistant Hardwood Carving and Patina

A similar peace is currently available at an sale house in Europe estimated at