Seated female ancestor figure "singiti · D. R. Congo, Luba-Hemba · ID: 3052170
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, Germany, 25 February 2006, lot 254
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, Germany, 26 March 2022, lot 83
Werner Zintl, Worms, Germany
Description
wood, base
Female figures in a comparable sitting posture with outstretched legs are usually complemented by a bowl. They are found among the Luba and are called “mboko”.
The present unusual figure, however, is conceived without a bowl, both hands resting on the thighs. Her facial features express a great calmness, her shoulders are taut and her posture extremely dignified despite her seated position. With her rich scarifications, she probably represents a female ancestor of high social rank “singiti”.
The object Seated female ancestor figure “singiti with the object ID 3052170 was part of the auction Auction 105 on November 15, 2025, lot number 345 at that time and is currently available for EUR 8,000 in Open sale.
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Comparing literature
Neyt, François, La Grande Statuaire Hemba du Zaire, Louvain-la-Neuve 1977, p. 238 f.
Publications
Tribal Arts, Hiver / Printemps 1999 / 2000, p. 61
AHDRC: 0028413