Hemba reliquary head - DR Congo
02
days
13
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 200 - € 220
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TETE de Reliquaire Hemba, a 60 cm tall wooden sculpture by the Hemba from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the late 20th century and sold with a stand in excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tribe name: Hemba
Material: Wood
Dimension: 60 cm
Mode of shipment: Colissimo within 24-48h; open
This decorative head is a sculpture in dark wood, Hemba (originating from the Congo region).
Structure Janus: The centerpiece of the piece is a double-faced head (Janus), where two faces are carved back-to-back, sharing a common axis. The faces display stylized features characteristic of Hemba statuary, with rounded volumes.
Upper part: Above the heads sits a circular receptacle, a kind of platform or container, containing vertical elements that resemble tools, ritual sticks, or carved accessories.
Base and support: The body of the sculpture forms an elongated conical trunk, reminiscent of a pestle or ceremonial support, resting on a flat rectangular base.
Ornamental details: Metallic inlays are visible, notably nails or decorative points along the structure, which is common on this type of ritual object to mark its importance or spiritual power.
This is a complex work that appears to serve a ritual function, combining human representation (ancestors or spirits) with utilitarian or symbolic elements.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tribe name: Hemba
Material: Wood
Dimension: 60 cm
Mode of shipment: Colissimo within 24-48h; open
This decorative head is a sculpture in dark wood, Hemba (originating from the Congo region).
Structure Janus: The centerpiece of the piece is a double-faced head (Janus), where two faces are carved back-to-back, sharing a common axis. The faces display stylized features characteristic of Hemba statuary, with rounded volumes.
Upper part: Above the heads sits a circular receptacle, a kind of platform or container, containing vertical elements that resemble tools, ritual sticks, or carved accessories.
Base and support: The body of the sculpture forms an elongated conical trunk, reminiscent of a pestle or ceremonial support, resting on a flat rectangular base.
Ornamental details: Metallic inlays are visible, notably nails or decorative points along the structure, which is common on this type of ritual object to mark its importance or spiritual power.
This is a complex work that appears to serve a ritual function, combining human representation (ancestors or spirits) with utilitarian or symbolic elements.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Hemba reliquary head
Height
60 cm
Sold by
