Standing male ancestor figure "singiti" · D. R. Congo, Hemba, Region: Kongolo, Nkuvu · ID: 3042887
sold
EUR 2,700
Provenance
Joseph Christiaens, Brussels, BelgiumKetterer, Munich, 3 November 1981, lot 218
Michel Koenig, Brussels, Belgium
Size
H: 44,5 cm
H: 17.5 inch
Description
wood, dark brown patina, remains of pigments, characteristic “majestic” facial features and posture, without beard, cross-emblem at the backside of the disc-shaped flattened coiffure missing, min. dam., cracks, traces of insect caused damage (base), slight traces of abrasion.
Ancestor figures, called “singiti”, represent famous warriors, clan founders or local chiefs. They were kept in special ceremonial huts, were they were venerated with prayer and sacrifices.
Comparing literature
Neyt, Francois, La Grande Statuaire Hemba du Zaire, Louvain-la-Neuve 1977, p. 238 f.
Publications
AHDRC: 0029177