Male ancestor figure "singiti" · D. R. Congo, Luba · ID: 3037951
Sotheby’s, London, 4 December 1973, lot 306
Christie’s, London, 13 May 1980, lot 271
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.
The object Male ancestor figure “singiti” with the object ID 3037951 was part of the auction 79th Tribal Art Auction on March 21, 2015. The object with the lot number 448 achieved a sales price of EUR 4,500 with an asking price of EUR 2,500.
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