Male ancestor figure "singiti" ·  D. R. Congo, Hemba · ID: 3032701

Description

wood, slightly encrusted brown patina, fragmentary (leg zone partly missing), dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, traces of abrasion, on wooden base;
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 Male ancestor figure “singiti” with the object ID 3032701 was part of the auction 69th tribal art auction on June 2, 2012. The object with the lot number 387 achieved a sales price of EUR 4,000 with an asking price of EUR 3,000.

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