Figure c. 20th century

This wooden figure was created by an artist from the Chokwe people, though we do not have a specific date for its creation. Despite this, the figure provides us insight into Chokwe society, which straddled areas of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia. The sculpture of a seated woman creates meaning through its visual codes: the emphasis on her breasts and navel signal fertility and motherhood, highly valued in Chokwe culture. More specifically, the figure is thought to represent a female ancestor, and was probably used in rituals meant to honor the founders of a lineage. Through close study of such images, and historical research into ritual practices, we can better appreciate the role of art in upholding the social structures of its time.