Snuff mortar- Wood – Chokwe – Congo

The figure forming the stopper of this snuff container can be identified as a chief by the elaborate headdress, or mutwe wa kaynda, he wears, as well as by the way he holds his hands in front of his chest. For the Chokwe, sitting with crossed legs suggests that a person has something to hide; thus, the chief sits in an “open” stance.
Good condition with a wonderful patina of age. Powerful figure with typical chokwe appearance.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.

Similar item sold on Sotheby`s, estimated 15.000 Euro: https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2009/collection-guimiot-et-domitilla-de-grunne-d39art-premier-pf9025/lot.51.html