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.