Figure masculine d´ancêtre debout "singiti" ·  R. D. Congo, Hemba, Région: Kongolo, Nkuvu · ID: 3042887

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.

Littérature comparée

Neyt, Francois, La Grande Statuaire Hemba du Zaire, Louvain-la-Neuve 1977, p. 238 f.

Publications

AHDRC: 0029177