The singiti (ancestor statue). In southeast DRC, the Hemba people inhabit vast plains surrounded by high hills and bordered by streams, rocks, and marshes. Farmers and hunters, the Hemba practice ancestor worship, not only to keep the memory of their great chiefs alive, but also to justify the present authority and power of the chief of the clan. This expressive woman ancestor statue is an example of the renowned Hemba artistic traditions.

Material: wood

Size: H. 21", W. 7", D. 4"