Hemba ancestor statue - DR Congo
03
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€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 240 - € 270
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of Congo
Tribe name. Hemba
Material. Wood
Dimension. 60 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h, open
Hemba-DR Congo Ancestor Statue.
This piece is an ancestral statue, known as singiti, from the Hemba people (Democratic Republic of the Congo). These figures are among the most well-known in Central African art for their balanced aesthetics and serene expression.
The head is the focal point of the statue. Great care is shown in the details:
Hair: An elaborate hairstyle, sculpted with geometric motifs (often cross-shaped or a "T"), typical of classic Hemba statuary.
The face emits a deep serenity and royal dignity. The eyes are almond-shaped, inset with a light material (probably kaolin or shells), which gives them particular liveliness.
Beard: A fine, striated beard surrounds the lower face.
The figure is depicted standing, in a frontal and rigid pose, symbolizing stability.
Hands: The hands are placed symmetrically on the abdomen, a gesture that underscores the importance of lineage or descent.
Anatomy: The body is naturalistic, with a prominent navel and slightly bent knees, lending a certain suppleness to the sculpture.
The statue presents a dark, deep, and lustrous patina, likely the result of many years of handling, ritual anointments, 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 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 justice 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 favors inner peace, dignity, and stability—essential values for the cohesion of their social structure.
Origin. Democratic Republic of Congo
Tribe name. Hemba
Material. Wood
Dimension. 60 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h, open
Hemba-DR Congo Ancestor Statue.
This piece is an ancestral statue, known as singiti, from the Hemba people (Democratic Republic of the Congo). These figures are among the most well-known in Central African art for their balanced aesthetics and serene expression.
The head is the focal point of the statue. Great care is shown in the details:
Hair: An elaborate hairstyle, sculpted with geometric motifs (often cross-shaped or a "T"), typical of classic Hemba statuary.
The face emits a deep serenity and royal dignity. The eyes are almond-shaped, inset with a light material (probably kaolin or shells), which gives them particular liveliness.
Beard: A fine, striated beard surrounds the lower face.
The figure is depicted standing, in a frontal and rigid pose, symbolizing stability.
Hands: The hands are placed symmetrically on the abdomen, a gesture that underscores the importance of lineage or descent.
Anatomy: The body is naturalistic, with a prominent navel and slightly bent knees, lending a certain suppleness to the sculpture.
The statue presents a dark, deep, and lustrous patina, likely the result of many years of handling, ritual anointments, 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 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 justice 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 favors 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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