Ngundja (royal seat)

19th–first half of 20th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 344

The broad expanse of open savanna in southern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Angola witnessed the rise of several wealthy and powerful states during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. In these societies art objects are made to show the power of the chief. Chokwe chiefs possess many articles--chairs, stools, ceremonial weapons, staffs of office, even tobacco pipes--elaborately carved with figures and scenes of village life.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Ngundja (royal seat)
Artist: Chokwe artist
Date: 19th–first half of 20th century
Geography: Angola
Culture: Chokwe peoples
Medium: Wood, brass tacks
Dimensions: H. 14 3/8 in. × W. 7 3/8 in. × D. 11 in. (36.5 × 18.8 × 27.9 cm)
Classification: Wood-Furniture
Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Purchase, Nelson A. Rockefeller Gift, 1970
Object Number: 1978.412.614
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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