Standing female ancestor figure "singiti" ·  D. R. Congo, Hemba · ID: 3037824

Description

wood, stained brown patina, both hands resting on the bulging abdomen, head with regular facial features and tribe-typical coiffure, min. dam., small missing parts through insect caused damage (base), fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
“singiti” ancestor figures are a 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, were they were venerated with prayer and sacrifices. Coiffure and scarification marks are proving the figure to be a female dignitary. The eyes with lowered lids are referring to the realm of the ancestors, to the world of the death.

The object Standing female ancestor figure “singiti” with the object ID 3037824 was last part of the auction 78th tribal art auction at October 18, 2014 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 428 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,500.

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