Description:

**Originally Listed At $250**

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo / Angola, Chokwe / Luba culture, ca. early 20th century CE. An imposing carved wooden statue depicting a chief, sculpted from a single piece of wood. The nude male figure stands upright, wearing an elaborate headdress panel adorned with three additional faces along the back - an iconic symbol of elevated status and ancestral connection. In each hand, he holds a staff of authority, both topped with figures bearing similar headdresses. The headdresses are further embellished with brass rivet studs, while the eyes of the central figure are inlaid with cowrie shells. This commemorative form follows traditional representations of Chibinda Ilunga, the revered 17th-century royal ancestor and cultural hero of the Lunda kingdom. Size: 9" W x 41.5" H (22.9 cm x 105.4 cm)

Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection, acquired from Palmyra Heritage Gallery, New York, New York, USA in 2023, Ex Dr Arnold R. Saslow South Orange NJ

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#193764

  • Condition: Wide but stable pressure fissure on the base and various other fissures throughout. Abrasions and chips, especially to lips and headdress. Nice patina.

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February 8, 2026 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000