Hemba ceremonial pipe, DRC ex Zaire - Lot 180

Hemba ceremonial pipe, DRC ex Zaire Carved anthropomorphic pipe depicting a male ancestor. Here, the named abdomenfu , or "lineage segment", forms the object's orifice. The majestic head bears carefully chiselled features. Behind the traditional headband, the headdress is gathered into multiple buns. Above, the piece flares out in ringlets. Satin patina. Desiccation cracks 31 x 7 cm Base The Hemba settled in southeastern Zaire. Once under Luba domination, these farmers and hunters practiced ancestor worship using effigies long attributed to the Luba. Singiti statues were preserved by the fumu mwalo and honored in ceremonies during which sacrifices were offered to them. In addition to the authority of hereditary chiefs, secret societies - the bukazanzi, for men, and the bukibilo, for women - played an important role within the clan (Source: "Trésors d'Afrique, Musée de Tervuren).