The cubically designed female figure carries a finely carved snuffbox in the shape of a drum on her head. It is another example of the extraordinary stylistic variation in Chokwe art. The body is broken up into balanced cubic and cylindrical elements. The pointed arch of the headdress, reserved for chiefs, forms a counterpoint to the tapered, mask-like stylised face. The female sculpture with masculine features depicts a politically influential woman: either the Lunda queen Lweji, the wife of the cultural hero Chibinda Ilunga, or a deceased queen mother or first king's wife identified with her. This piece, collected at a very early date, is to be seen as a prestige object in the environment of a wealthy trading chief. / P.I. The following was noted in the museum's main catalogue when this object was received: "Fetish snuff box from Kioco. 31 cm h.".