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. The Hemba are primarily subsistence agriculturalists growing manioc, maize, peanuts, sesame, yams and beans. These crops are supplemented by hunting and fishing done by the men. The Hemba practice ancestor worship to justify the present authority and power of the chief of the clan.   Among the Hemba, sculptured male bearded figures posed standing with their hands placed on the lower abdomen or at the sides represent distinguished ancestors. They are considered to be portraits of specific individuals and were kept in the homes of the principal Hemba families as genealogical references.

Material: wood

Size: H. 12”, W. 5 ½”, D. 5”

Price: $175 + $24 (S&H)                  [#M2H9S848]