Ancestor figure "singiti" · D. R. Congo, Hemba · ID: 3035283
Description
wood, partly shiny reddish brown patina, black paint, loincloth, leather belt, min. dam., fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion and insect caused damage;
the sculptures of the Hemba belong to the most important works of art in Black Africa. “Singiti” figures always depict important persons, such as war lords, clan founders or local chiefs. They provide a literal and symbolic link between past generations and current clan leaders, whose families are entrusted with their ownership and care. They were kept in special ceremonial huts.
The object Ancestor figure “singiti” with the object ID 3035283 was last part of the auction 74th tribal art auction at September 7, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 334.
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