Their effigies of ancestors (Singiti) are famous. They represent deceased chiefs venerated by the tribe, they help their successors to legitimize their political power. They give off an impression of majesty and great serenity.
TYPE OF OBJECT: Statue.
ETHNIC GROUP: Hemba, Bahemba.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Democratic Republic of Congo DRC
(ex Belgian Congo, ex Zaire).
MATERIAL: Wood.
DIMENSIONS: Height 52.5 cm
58 cm with the base
CONDITION: Fair - Poor
(See photos).
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Bibliography / Bibliography:
- The great Hemba statuary of Zaire, François Neyt, Louvain-la-neuve, Higher Institute of Archeology and Art History, 1977
- HEMBA, Luigi Spina and Constantin Petridis, Editions 5 Continents, 2017
- Luba Hemba Werke Unbekannter Meister, Frankfurt am Main, Museum für Völkerkunde, 1983
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CONGO DRC
HEMBA
Large Ancestor Figure (Singiti)
Sayi style - Southern Niembo
The Hemba live in eastern Congo DRC, between the Lualaba river (Congo river), to the west, and Lake Tanganyka, to the east
Their territory is articulated around the Luika river which delimits the Hemba of the north and those of the south. They are therefore present in the south of the province of Maniema as well as in the north of the province of Tanganyika.
They are geographically and culturally close to the Luba
Their ancestors figures are famous. They represent the deceased leaders and, venerated by the entire tribe, they help their successors to legitimize their political power. They give off an impression of majesty and great serenity.
Features:
TYPE OF OBJECT: Statue, figure.
ETHNIC GROUP: Hemba, Bahemba.
ORIGIN: Democratic Republic of Congo.DRC
(ex Belgian Congo, ex Zaire).
MATERIAL: Wood.
DIMENSIONS: About 20 3/4 inches high
About 22 3/4 " with the base
CONDITION: Medium - Bad
Please have a look on pictures