Standing male ancestor figure "singiti" · D. R. Congo, Hemba · ID: 3046583
not available anymore
Provenance
Georges-Jean Haefeli, La Chaux-de-Fonds, SwitzerlandSize
H: 66 cm
H: 26.0 inch
Description
wood, sacrificial patina, base
The large bearded face of this “singiti” figure shows strikingly geometrical facial features.
“Singiti” figures are idealised and stylised depictions of deceased Hemba leaders. As spiritual mediators between the living and the dead, these figures were preserved in a shrine, where they were paid homage with prayers and blood sacrifices.