Hemba Singiti Ancestor Figure - SOLD
Ancestor worship in African Hemba art
The art of the Hemba, from territories long banned for a long time, was little known to the West until its triumphant appearance in the collections in the early 1970s. This statuary includes works of exceptional artistic value. The commemorative figures are among the classics of African art.
Among the Hemba, ancestor worship takes precedence over other values of society and this priority is sensitive in sculpture. The artists, often grouped in workshops, perform images of their ancestors. These figures are ritually present during clan ceremonies. This statuary quality is often highlighted by a beautiful patina. Primarily, Hemba art was related to the Luba style, but for some time it has been recognized for its own qualities as a distinct style.
00367
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1980
- Size
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
Ancestor worship in African Hemba art
The art of the Hemba, from territories long banned for a long time, was little known to the West until its triumphant appearance in the collections in the early 1970s. This statuary includes works of exceptional artistic value. The commemorative figures are among the classics of African art.
Among the Hemba, ancestor worship takes precedence over other values of society and this priority is sensitive in sculpture. The artists, often grouped in workshops, perform images of their ancestors. These figures are ritually present during clan ceremonies. This statuary quality is often highlighted by a beautiful patina. Primarily, Hemba art was related to the Luba style, but for some time it has been recognized for its own qualities as a distinct style.