Hemba (Bahemba), Democratic Republic of the Congo

The singiti (ancestor statue). In southeast DRC, the 80,000 Hemba people inhabit vast plains surrounded by high hills and bordered by streams, rocks, and marshes. They live mostly from farming manioc, sesame, yams and beans. Their social organization is founded on a system of clans that brings together several families sharing a common ancestor. Among the Hemba, sculptured male bearded figures wearing a cruciform hairstyle represent distinguished ancestors. 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 chiefs of the clan named Fumu Mwalo; the latter have absolute authority over clan members and is in charge of several ancestor figures he keeps in his own hut or in a smaller, funerary hut. This singiti ancestor statue (they are usually male) exhibits dignity and power.

Material:  wood

Size: H. 24 ½”, W. 7”, D. 8”

Price:  $260+$28 (S&H)                                                      [#M2H8S786]