Beautiful Hemba ancestor figure. - Singiti - Hemba - DR Congo

Beautiful patina on a Hemba ancestral figure.

Height: 82 cm

The Hemba are an ethnic group located in the southeast of the DR Congo, on the right bank of the Lualaba River. They practice farming and hunting. Having long been under the influence of their Luba neighbors, they inherited some of their religious, cultural, and artistic practices. The Hemba dedicate themselves to the cult of the ancestors and thus grant great power in the fields of law and medicine. Moreover, they honor them with statues in their likeness. The Singiti figures were exalted during ceremonies and offerings. Externally they were guarded by the Fumu Mwalo.

The Hemba chieftaincy is organized along hereditary lines. However, the secret societies wield significant decision-making power in the village. These include the female Bukibilo society and the male Bukazanzi.

The Hemba have made many everyday objects, but also masks and figurines. Their work is highly valued.