Standing male ancestor figure "singiti"

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Description

wood, shiny blackish brown patina, delicate facial features with a calm self-contained expression, characteristic posture, lighter matt patina in the area of the lower part of the body, which originally was covered by a loincloth, slightly dam. (nose bridge), cracks (left shoulder and wrist), missing parts through insect caused damage (innerside of the legs, base), plate;
allocated to the “Muhona et Nkuvu” region (classification according to F. Neyt, 1977, p. 225 ff.)
Ancestor figures, called “singiti”, represent famous warriors, clan founders or local chiefs, which are put in small huts and venerated. Noble families of the eastern savannahs of the Democatic Republic of Congo adopted the practice of sculpting images of their ancestors, thus preserving the memory of their ancestors and constituting a genealogical chart of their lineage. Through this custom they reinforced the authority of the ancestral tradition and affirmed their ownership of the ground. If Bembe, Tabwa, Hemba, Kusu, Tetela or Songye all developed masculine statuary that was somewhat similar. These figures stand with their hands on the stomach with half-closed eyes. In Luba culture the word “difu” - belly, also refers to a branch of the lineage. In that sense, the ancestor with his hands on his belly is watching over his descent.

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Comparing literature

Neyt, Francois, La Grande Statuaire Hemba du Zaire, Louvain-la-Neuve 1977, p. 225 ff. Grootaers, Jan-Lodewijk & Ineke Eisenburger (ed.), Forms of Wonderment, Vol. II, Berg en Dal 2002, p. 566 Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 300 Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, Munich 2009, p. 270 f.

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