Hemba Ancestor Figure: Johnston/Young Collection

This item is part of the Johnston/Young Collection. It is featured in the book "Afrika Traditional and Modern African Art."

In Southeastern Zaire, the Hemba people were subjects of the Luba empire resulting in an over shadowing of Hemba historical and cultural identity. Thankfully this is changing. It has been found that their social organization is based on a system of clans that unites several families sharing a common ancestor. Ancestor worship is exceedingly important to the Hemba; their genealogy being the foundation of the Hemba hierarchy. Their chiefs are selected according to ancient bloodlines. They practice ancestor worship to keep the genealogy of their great chiefs alive and to justify the power of the present day authority. The chiefs are in a position of absolute power over all the clans. They are also the keepers of the tribes prized ancestor figures, which are kept, inside their own dwelling or in a small funerary hut.

“The ‘Singiti’ or ancestor figures which are generally male, recall the shape of the cylindrical block of wood from which they were carved..arms and forearms are brought forward over the abdomen, legs are parallel and bent..” the body straight. “The oval head with half closed eyes and stylized beard is topped by a very elaborate hairdo.” – F.Neyt 1975.

The Johnston/Young figure holds true to the above 30 year old description in every regard. The Hemba see the closed eyes and rounded face of the figure as an artistic expression of calm and serenity. The hands resting on the belly represent the ancestor embracing his people.

This selection was first acquired in Africa during WWll and subsequently purchased again in 1996.

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Dimensions: 31 1/2 inches tall x 9 inches wide x 8 3/4 inches deep.

Wt: Special cost saving shipping will apply.