Standing male ancestor figure "singiti" ·  D. R. Congo, Hemba · ID: 3052259

Description

wood, pigments, encrusted sacrifical patina, base

The archetypical Hemba ancestor figure shows the ancestor in a standing posture, hands placed on the navel, eyes half-open and with a peaceful expression.

This posture expresses the dignity of the deceased, refers to the progenitor of the family and shows the ancestor as a guardian who watches over the world of the living while maintaining a connection to the world of the dead.

The figures were preserved in a shrine, where they were paid homage with prayers and blood sacrifices. They were displayed in public during important ceremonies to reinforce the family’s status.