Male ancestor figure "singiti" · D. R. Congo, Luba · ID: 3037951
sold
EUR 4,500
Provenance
Edgar Levy, New York, USASotheby’s, London, 4 December 1973, lot 306
Christie’s, London, 13 May 1980, lot 271
Size
H: 59 cm
H: 23.2 inch
Description
wood, brown patina, remains of black paint, disc-shaped coiffure with cross-emblem, asymmetrical eye-zone, presumbly once holding a fly-whisk across the left shoulder, dam., missing parts (left forearm, fingertips of the right hand), traces of insect caused damage (foot zone), cracks, abrasion of paint, rep. (right foot tip), base;
“singiti” figures 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.