Standing female figure "kaponya" or "hamba" ·  Angola, Chokwe · ID: 3047493

Description

wood, pigments,
According to Bastin, the term “kaponya” (pl. “tuponya”) is the generic name for a figurative sculpture. In order to become a “hamba” (pl. “mahamba”), a figure has to be consecrated by a ritual specialist or healer “mbuki”.

The term “hamba” in its primary interpretation refers to ancestor and nature spirits, sometimes called tutelary spirits, that mediate between God (“kalunga” or “nzambi”) and man.

Figures “mahamba” are primarily used in connection with fertility, healing or as hunting spells. They may belong to the community or to individuals. In any case, they must receive regular offerings so that they provide their help and support.

The object Standing female figure “kaponya” or “hamba” with the object ID 3047493 was last part of the auction 96th Auction at April 24, 2021 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 137.

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Comparing literature

Petridis, Constantine, Art and Power in the Central African Savanna, Brussels 2008, p. 96 ff.