STATUE HEMBA - DR Congo
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Current bid
€ 11
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
 | €11 |
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Hemba
Material. Wood
Dimension 54 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24–48 hours
This piece displays the major stylistic and iconographic characteristics of Hemba statuary (originating in the Lualaba region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Here is a detailed description of the sculpture:
1. General morphology and posture
Subject: This is a standing anthropomorphic figure, carved from hardwood and bearing a dark, brown-to-black patina, polished by time and handling.
Posture: The statue stands facing forward, firmly set on its original circular base. The legs are slightly bent, creating an impression of stability and restrained strength, typical of depictions of Hemba ancestors (kakongolo or founding ancestor figures).
Hands: The arms are held away from the body, and the hands meet delicately to frame or support the rounded lower abdomen, a classic gesture emphasizing the central importance of lineage and fertility.
2. Face and expression
Serene features: The face is characterized by a hieratic, timeless serenity. The eyes are half-closed and slightly lowered, conveying spiritual introspection and a gaze turned toward the spirit world.
Anatomical details: The nose is straight and prominent, above a mouth with finely delineated lips.
Beard: The chin is adorned with a geometric beard finely incised with crosshatching, often signifying the status of a founding ancestor or a wise and respected chief.
3. Hairstyle and scarification
Cross-shaped (or cascading) coiffure: Seen in profile, the elaborate coiffure is characteristic, carved in relief at the back and sides of the head and decorated with geometric patterns (triangles and chevrons). This complex coiffure reflects the elaborate traditional hairstyles of Hemba dignitaries.
Weight and proportions: The head is oversized in relation to the body, an aesthetic choice often found in traditional African art to symbolize the seat of wisdom and the noble lineage of the ancestor.
4. Attributes and patina
Pronounced sexuality: The statue displays clearly modeled male attributes, including a prominent erect penis, reinforcing the idea of vital force (buze) and the continuation of the clan.
Patina and wear: The wood surface shows beautiful signs of wear, small age-related cracks, and a deep patina attesting to an ancient ritual function and respectful handling within the community.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Hemba
Material. Wood
Dimension 54 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24–48 hours
This piece displays the major stylistic and iconographic characteristics of Hemba statuary (originating in the Lualaba region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Here is a detailed description of the sculpture:
1. General morphology and posture
Subject: This is a standing anthropomorphic figure, carved from hardwood and bearing a dark, brown-to-black patina, polished by time and handling.
Posture: The statue stands facing forward, firmly set on its original circular base. The legs are slightly bent, creating an impression of stability and restrained strength, typical of depictions of Hemba ancestors (kakongolo or founding ancestor figures).
Hands: The arms are held away from the body, and the hands meet delicately to frame or support the rounded lower abdomen, a classic gesture emphasizing the central importance of lineage and fertility.
2. Face and expression
Serene features: The face is characterized by a hieratic, timeless serenity. The eyes are half-closed and slightly lowered, conveying spiritual introspection and a gaze turned toward the spirit world.
Anatomical details: The nose is straight and prominent, above a mouth with finely delineated lips.
Beard: The chin is adorned with a geometric beard finely incised with crosshatching, often signifying the status of a founding ancestor or a wise and respected chief.
3. Hairstyle and scarification
Cross-shaped (or cascading) coiffure: Seen in profile, the elaborate coiffure is characteristic, carved in relief at the back and sides of the head and decorated with geometric patterns (triangles and chevrons). This complex coiffure reflects the elaborate traditional hairstyles of Hemba dignitaries.
Weight and proportions: The head is oversized in relation to the body, an aesthetic choice often found in traditional African art to symbolize the seat of wisdom and the noble lineage of the ancestor.
4. Attributes and patina
Pronounced sexuality: The statue displays clearly modeled male attributes, including a prominent erect penis, reinforcing the idea of vital force (buze) and the continuation of the clan.
Patina and wear: The wood surface shows beautiful signs of wear, small age-related cracks, and a deep patina attesting to an ancient ritual function and respectful handling within the community.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
STATUE HEMBA
Height
54 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
