Africa has many old tribes and today I am going to talk to you about the Chokwe People.

The Chokwe People have an estimated population of 1.3 million people. They are found primarily in Angola, southwestern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa to Lualaba), and north-western parts of Zambia.

The known history of the Chokwe Tribe dates back to the 15th century when a Lunda queen married the Luba prince Chibinda Ilunga. They were driven south after members of the Luanda ruling elite disapproved of the marriage. The couple settled and established several kingdoms, each ruled by a God-King. Chabinda Ilunda would become a cultural hero and is portrayed in many art forms.

Chokwe People consider Kalunga the God of creation and supreme power. They worship ancestors and various spirits and deities. Diviners are consulted to help defend against evil spirits and promote good health.

Artwork created by the Chokwe tribe is connected to their religious beliefs. Many sculptures are images of ancestors, most prominent being Chibinda Ilunga, with bent legs and a formidable stature.