Citwamo Ca Mangu (Throne)

Moxico School

20th century

Wood, leather

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A carved wooden chair with intricate human figures adorning its back and legs. The seat is plain, contrasting with the detailed carvings below and on the backrest. As in all cultures, African rulers often express their status by sitting on a special stool, chair, or throne that is an recognized mark of their rank and leadership. Chokwe thrones are modeled on European chairs that arrived in Africa from Spain and Portugal after trade was established in the late 1490s. While the basic form is European, Chokwe sculptors immediately changed its decoration, covering every available surface with themed ornamentation reinforcing the power, status and responsibilities of the local ruler. <P>The central figure on the throne back represents a masked Cihongo dancer. Cihongo is associated with courtly weal