'Singiti' Anchestor Wood Statue, Hemba Culture, Dr Congo, Ca. 1900, Doc. Prov

View Similar Items

Small Carved Wood 'Luba' Statue, Congo

Chinese Wood Carved Statue Figures China Qing or Minguo, ca 1900

Pair of Yoruba Culture Ibeji 'Nigeria' Statues

Pair of Didactical dancing Dolls Songye People - DR Congo

Mukuba 'Hat', Bwami Society, Lega Culture, Democratic Republic of Congo

Chinese Antique Chinese Bronze Laughing Buddha Statue China, ca 1900

Malachite Monobloc Weight 22.3 Kg - From DR Congo - Perfect condition Zaire

Bronze Statue of Toddler Climbing on Chair by Juan Clara ca. 1900

Antique Congolese African Tribal Carved Hemba Helmet Mask, Suku Peoples

Fine Chinese Carved Wood Statue of a Fisherman, , circa 1900, Republic period

Garden Statue, Belgium circa 1900

Andrianna Shamaris Antique Wood Statue from Borneo

1 of 14

'Singiti' Anchestor Wood Statue, Hemba Culture, Dr Congo, Ca. 1900, Doc. Prov

About the Item

Calm yet formidable, this figure is an idealized portrait figure of a specific male ancestor. Through them, the owners contact the depicted ancestor in order to ask him for protection for their family and their goods. The lovingly carved sculpture was kept in a shrine that could house several figures. The multi-layered patina, which has grown through sacrificial offerings and use, is evidence of ritual use. The confidence in dealing with form, proportion and volume as well as the successful interplay between abstraction and naturalism make this balanced work an exemplary example of the talent of black African sculptors. The typical standing figure is characterized by an increase in proportion towards the top. The short legs support a comparatively long, undecorated central body, which is then crowned by a carefully designed head. The face with the graceful nose and arched eyebrows is adorned with a hood-shaped hairstyle with a carved hairband. The dreamy eyes and the small mouth give the face a fascinating internalized expression. Provenance: - Gallery Maria Wyss, Basel. - Peter Stettler (1939-1998) and Erica Stettler-Schnell (1940-2019). Peter Stettler and Erica Stettler-Schnell's collection of non-European art comprised around 500 objects with a focus on small bronzes, thumb pianos and textiles, which they acquired mainly in Switzerland and Paris. Further reading: Neyt, Francois (1975). Approach des Arts Hemba. Villiers-le-Bel: Arts d'Afrique Noire.

Dimensions:
Height: 18.9 in (48 cm)Width: 9.06 in (23 cm)Depth: 7.09 in (18 cm)
Style:
Tribal (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1900
Condition:
Additions or alterations made to the original: Statue is mounted on a black steel base. Wear consistent with age and use. The condition (wear, eventual cracks, tear, other imperfections and the effects of aging etc. if applicable) of this lot is as visible on the multiple photos we have uploaded for your documentation.
Seller Location:
Basel, CH
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU6543230341212