Hemba Ancestor Statue - DR Congo
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A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 300 - € 350
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Name of tribe. Hemba
Material. Wood
Dimension 48 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h, please unpack
This decorative sculpture is a classic representation of the art of the Hemba people (a Central African population living mainly in the southeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
It is more precisely a Singiti (or Ancestor Effigy), a major work in the traditional African art corpus.
1. The Head and the Face (The expression of serenity)
Facial expression: The face conveys a strong impression of serenity, dignity, and inner balance, which is typical of ancestor worship among the Hemba. The eyes are closed or half-closed, slit-like or bean-shaped, evoking meditation, the wisdom of death, and the connection to the spiritual world.
The hairstyle: It is voluminous and extends to the back of the head (often sculpted in the shape of a cross or diadem at the back, not visible here), which testifies to the high social status of the person depicted.
The beard: A finely stylized and incised beard (in a collar) surrounds the chin, emphasizing the status of chief or notable of the ancestor.
2. The Body and Posture (Static power)
Posture: The figure is depicted standing, very frontal and symmetrical. The torso is elongated, the shoulders are angular and straight, giving the statue a strong architectural presence.
Arms and hands: The arms, slightly bent, descend along the body and the hands gently rest on either side of the lower abdomen, highlighting the protruding navel. This gesture symbolizes the continuity of the family line and lineage.
Nudity: The male figure is depicted nude, highlighting the attributes of virility, a symbol of the fertility of the lineage he protects from the world of the ancestors. The legs are bent and anchored in a circular base of origin.
Cultural context: Singiti statues are not idols, but receptacles for the spirit of a revered ancestor (often a clan chief). They were kept by family chiefs in sacred funerary booths. They served to legitimize the power of the current chief by recalling the greatness of his predecessors and were invoked in times of crises or to ensure the fertility of lands and women.
Note: The statue is here mounted on a modern black wooden display base to ensure its stability.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Name of tribe. Hemba
Material. Wood
Dimension 48 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h, please unpack
This decorative sculpture is a classic representation of the art of the Hemba people (a Central African population living mainly in the southeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
It is more precisely a Singiti (or Ancestor Effigy), a major work in the traditional African art corpus.
1. The Head and the Face (The expression of serenity)
Facial expression: The face conveys a strong impression of serenity, dignity, and inner balance, which is typical of ancestor worship among the Hemba. The eyes are closed or half-closed, slit-like or bean-shaped, evoking meditation, the wisdom of death, and the connection to the spiritual world.
The hairstyle: It is voluminous and extends to the back of the head (often sculpted in the shape of a cross or diadem at the back, not visible here), which testifies to the high social status of the person depicted.
The beard: A finely stylized and incised beard (in a collar) surrounds the chin, emphasizing the status of chief or notable of the ancestor.
2. The Body and Posture (Static power)
Posture: The figure is depicted standing, very frontal and symmetrical. The torso is elongated, the shoulders are angular and straight, giving the statue a strong architectural presence.
Arms and hands: The arms, slightly bent, descend along the body and the hands gently rest on either side of the lower abdomen, highlighting the protruding navel. This gesture symbolizes the continuity of the family line and lineage.
Nudity: The male figure is depicted nude, highlighting the attributes of virility, a symbol of the fertility of the lineage he protects from the world of the ancestors. The legs are bent and anchored in a circular base of origin.
Cultural context: Singiti statues are not idols, but receptacles for the spirit of a revered ancestor (often a clan chief). They were kept by family chiefs in sacred funerary booths. They served to legitimize the power of the current chief by recalling the greatness of his predecessors and were invoked in times of crises or to ensure the fertility of lands and women.
Note: The statue is here mounted on a modern black wooden display base to ensure its stability.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Hemba Ancestor Statue
Height
48 cm
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