Male ancestor figure "singiti"
D. R. Congo, Hemba
sold
EUR 1,600
Provenance
Ruff, Zurich, Switzerland (acquired in London in the 1970s)By inhertiance to his wife
Albert Bösiger, Zurich, Switzerland
Family owned until 2013
Koller, Geneva, 20 May 2014, Lot 208
German Private Collection
Size
H: 35 cm
H: 13.8 inch
Description
wood, encrusted patina, fragmentary, base
This idealized portrait commemorated and honored the lifetime accomplishments of a deceased male ancestor. With its serene expression the figure embodies the dignity and wisdom of a respected elder.
As spiritual mediators between the living and the dead, these figures were preserved in a shrine, where they were paid homage with prayers and blood sacrifices.