Standing male ancestor figure "singiti" · D. R. Congo, Hemba · ID: 3034510
Description
wood, blackish brown patina, simple form, slightly dam. (mouth, nose), breakage (both wrists), missing parts through insect caused damage (back of the head, back), cracks (base, back);
the sculptures of the Hemba belong to the most important works of art in Black Africa. “Singiti” figures always 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 Standing male ancestor figure “singiti” with the object ID 3034510 was last part of the auction 72nd tribal art auction at March 9, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 425.
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