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 Congo
Name of the tribe. Hemba
Material. Wood
Dimension. 60 cm
Mode of shipping. Colissimo within 24-48h open
Ancestor statue Hemba - Democratic Republic of Congo.
This piece is an ancestral statue, known as singiti, from the Hemba people (Democratic Republic of the Congo). These figures are among the most recognized in Central African art for their balanced aesthetics and serene expression.
The head is the focal point of the statue. Great care is taken with the details:
Hair: An elaborate hairstyle, carved with geometric motifs (often cross-shaped or a "T"), typical of classic Hemba statuary.
Face: The face exudes 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 striped beard frames the lower face.
The figure is depicted standing, in a frontal and rigid pose, symbolizing stability.
Hands: The hands are placed symmetrically on the belly, a gesture that often underscores the importance of lineage or descent.
Anatomy: The body is naturalistic, with a prominent navel and slightly bent knees, which adds a certain flexibility to the sculpture.
The statue presents a dark, deep, and lustrous patina, likely the result of many years of handling, ritual anointing, and exposure to the atmosphere of traditional homes.
In Hemba culture, singiti are not realistic individual representations, but receptacles for the spirit of male ancestors (usually clan chiefs).
These statues serve to honor the ancestors, to maintain the link between the living and the dead, and to validate the legitimacy of the current chief.
They are often kept in family sanctuaries or dedicated structures. They are consulted during important moments for the community — such as judicial decisions, inheritance matters, or conflicts — in order to invoke the wisdom and authority of the ancestors.
This piece perfectly illustrates the Hemba ideal of beauty, which prioritizes inner peace, dignity, and stability—essential values for the cohesion of their social structure.
Origin. Democratic Republic of Congo
Name of the tribe. Hemba
Material. Wood
Dimension. 60 cm
Mode of shipping. Colissimo within 24-48h open
Ancestor statue Hemba - Democratic Republic of Congo.
This piece is an ancestral statue, known as singiti, from the Hemba people (Democratic Republic of the Congo). These figures are among the most recognized in Central African art for their balanced aesthetics and serene expression.
The head is the focal point of the statue. Great care is taken with the details:
Hair: An elaborate hairstyle, carved with geometric motifs (often cross-shaped or a "T"), typical of classic Hemba statuary.
Face: The face exudes 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 striped beard frames the lower face.
The figure is depicted standing, in a frontal and rigid pose, symbolizing stability.
Hands: The hands are placed symmetrically on the belly, a gesture that often underscores the importance of lineage or descent.
Anatomy: The body is naturalistic, with a prominent navel and slightly bent knees, which adds a certain flexibility to the sculpture.
The statue presents a dark, deep, and lustrous patina, likely the result of many years of handling, ritual anointing, and exposure to the atmosphere of traditional homes.
In Hemba culture, singiti are not realistic individual representations, but receptacles for the spirit of male ancestors (usually clan chiefs).
These statues serve to honor the ancestors, to maintain the link between the living and the dead, and to validate the legitimacy of the current chief.
They are often kept in family sanctuaries or dedicated structures. They are consulted during important moments for the community — such as judicial decisions, inheritance matters, or conflicts — in order to invoke the wisdom and authority of the ancestors.
This piece perfectly illustrates the Hemba ideal of beauty, which prioritizes 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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