Hemba ancestor statue - DR Congo
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Hemba
Material. Wood
Dimension. 60 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h, open
Ancestor statue Hemba - Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This piece is an ancestral statue, known as a singiti, from the Hemba people (Democratic Republic of the Congo). These figures are among the best known in Central African art for their balanced aesthetics and serene expression.
The head is the focal point of the statue. Notable attention to detail:
Hair: An elaborate coiffure, carved with geometric motifs (often cross-shaped or in the form of a 'T'), typical of classic Hemba sculpture.
The face radiates deep serenity and royal dignity. The eyes are almond-shaped, inlaid with a light material (probably kaolin or shells), giving them a particular liveliness.
Beard: A fine, striated beard surrounds the lower face.
The figure stands upright, in a frontal and rigid pose, symbolizing stability.
Hands: The hands are placed symmetrically on the abdomen, a gesture that often emphasizes the importance of lineage or descent.
Anatomy: The body is naturalistic, with a prominent navel and knees slightly bent, which adds a certain flexibility to the sculpture.
The statue bears a dark, deep, and lustrous patina, likely the result of many years of handling, ritual anointings, and exposure to the atmosphere of traditional dwellings.
In Hemba culture, singiti are not realistic individual representations but receptacles for the spirits of male ancestors (usually clan chiefs).
These statues serve to honor the ancestors, to maintain the bond between the living and the dead, and to validate the legitimacy of the current chief.
They are often kept in family shrines or dedicated structures. They are consulted during important community moments—such as judicial decisions, succession questions, or conflicts—in order to invoke the wisdom and authority of the ancestors.
This piece perfectly illustrates the Hemba ideal of beauty, which emphasizes inner peace, dignity, and stability—essential values for the cohesion of their social structure.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Hemba
Material. Wood
Dimension. 60 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h, open
Ancestor statue Hemba - Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This piece is an ancestral statue, known as a singiti, from the Hemba people (Democratic Republic of the Congo). These figures are among the best known in Central African art for their balanced aesthetics and serene expression.
The head is the focal point of the statue. Notable attention to detail:
Hair: An elaborate coiffure, carved with geometric motifs (often cross-shaped or in the form of a 'T'), typical of classic Hemba sculpture.
The face radiates deep serenity and royal dignity. The eyes are almond-shaped, inlaid with a light material (probably kaolin or shells), giving them a particular liveliness.
Beard: A fine, striated beard surrounds the lower face.
The figure stands upright, in a frontal and rigid pose, symbolizing stability.
Hands: The hands are placed symmetrically on the abdomen, a gesture that often emphasizes the importance of lineage or descent.
Anatomy: The body is naturalistic, with a prominent navel and knees slightly bent, which adds a certain flexibility to the sculpture.
The statue bears a dark, deep, and lustrous patina, likely the result of many years of handling, ritual anointings, and exposure to the atmosphere of traditional dwellings.
In Hemba culture, singiti are not realistic individual representations but receptacles for the spirits of male ancestors (usually clan chiefs).
These statues serve to honor the ancestors, to maintain the bond between the living and the dead, and to validate the legitimacy of the current chief.
They are often kept in family shrines or dedicated structures. They are consulted during important community moments—such as judicial decisions, succession questions, or conflicts—in order to invoke the wisdom and authority of the ancestors.
This piece perfectly illustrates the Hemba ideal of beauty, which emphasizes inner peace, dignity, and stability—essential values for the cohesion of their social structure.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Hemba ancestor statue
Width
60 cm
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