Hemba Singiti ancestor figure
Ancestors in African art
The African Hemba statues are stylistically close to those of Luba, so much so that for a long time experts believed that it was a specific production of the Luba. It was only late that we realized that Hemba art is a corpus in its own right. Historically, the Luba have tried to assimilate the Hemba but never succeeded.
These ancestor statues, generically called Singiti, are their emblem. They always represent a male figure in a standing position, headdress pulled back with a brace, and wearing a crenellated beard. This piece is the typical example of the Singiti ancestor statue with a mastered and detailed naturalistic sculpture. Beautiful dark and smooth patina, somewhat shiny.
01696
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1970
- Size
- 46 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Restored
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Ancestors in African art
The African Hemba statues are stylistically close to those of Luba, so much so that for a long time experts believed that it was a specific production of the Luba. It was only late that we realized that Hemba art is a corpus in its own right. Historically, the Luba have tried to assimilate the Hemba but never succeeded.
These ancestor statues, generically called Singiti, are their emblem. They always represent a male figure in a standing position, headdress pulled back with a brace, and wearing a crenellated beard. This piece is the typical example of the Singiti ancestor statue with a mastered and detailed naturalistic sculpture. Beautiful dark and smooth patina, somewhat shiny.