Hemba Singiti statuette, DRC - Lot 113

Hemba Singiti statuette, DRC This modest-sized African Hemba sculpture, the effigy of a local chief, was originally attributed to the Luba. It was believed to facilitate contact with tutelary spirits. Hemba clan chiefs had several statues of ancestors whom they venerated, and to whom they dedicated offerings in order to assert their legitimacy. The position is classical, with hands emphasizing a protruding abdomen, symbol of lineage. The cruciform headdress is bordered by a headband. Smooth brown patina with golden highlights. Satin surface. 21 x 6 cm The Hemba, who live in southeastern Zaire on the right bank of the Lualaba River, were long subject to the neighboring Luba Empire, which had a definite influence on their culture, religion and art. Ancestor worship, whose effigies have long been attributed to the Luba, is central to Hemba society. Genealogy is the guarantor of privileges and land distribution. All aspects of the community are imbued with the authority of the ancestors. Ancestors were considered to influence justice, medicine, law and sacrifice. Singiti statues were preserved by the fumu mwalo and honored in ceremonies during which sacrifices were offered to them. Parallel to the authority of hereditary chiefs, secret societies, both male, such as the bukazanzi, and female, the bukibilo, played an important role within the clan (Source: "Trésors d'Afrique, Musée de Tervuren ; "L'Art tribal d'Afrique noire" J.B. Bacquart ; "Fleuve Congo", F.Neyt).