Ceremonial spears, such as the present one, were among the regalia of Chokwe chiefs. They were recognised symbols of social rank and status (like ‘sceptres’), especially in the period marking the expansion of the Chokwe people from Angola towards the southern regions of the Congo (the Kwilu-Kasai region) during the 19th century.
The present ceremonial spear has a narrow, lancet shaped iron tip made of local African iron and decorated with geometric engravings. The round shaft is made of hard wood and is wrapped with a brass band and a brass wire under the iron tip. At the foot of the slightly thickening shaft is a typical Chokwe figure carved out from the same piece and dyed black. It depicts a woman with the head carved in characteristic Chokwe style, with coiffure and conspicuously protruding chin. Her bent arms are attached to the body, whilst her typically large ‘Chokwe hands’ – here stylised into ‘three-finger hands’ – rest on her abdomen.
Her legs are slightly bent and rendered in the abstract shape of a block. An exceptionally beautiful Chokwe figure in typical ‘expansion style’. With visibly good usage patina and slight colour abrasion to the edges of the figure. Otherwise no damage. Overall a very rare, ‘museum-quality’ item!
19th century; H: 75 cm.

Provenance: Jo Christiaens, Bruges, Belgium. (ME)

Lit.: 'La Sculpture Tshokwe' by Marie-Louise Bastin, fig. 130,132, 133; 'Chokwe!' by Manuel Jordán, fig. 22; 'Escultura Angolana', catalogue of the Museu Nacional de Etnologia, Lisbon, fig. 149, 150.