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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Hemba, Luba, Shankadi : Hemba Wooden Ancestral Sculpture
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Hemba Wooden Ancestral Sculpture - PF.4523
Origin: Southeastern Congo
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
25" (63.5cm) high
x 7" (17.8cm) wide
Collection: African
Style: Hemba
Medium: Wood
$6,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Though most African tribes are divided into
clans, the Hemba are particularly clan oriented.
Each clan knows the history of its migration,
conquests, alliances, and obeys certain
regulations, duties, and taboos, especially
related to dietary matters. A clan may compose
an entire village independent of others, and
share a common ancestor. 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. As officiant of the cult, the chief presides
over a dignified ceremony where he
communicates with the ancestor, recalling his
brave deeds and requesting good fortune. A
chicken is then sacrifices as an offering, followed
by a meal of manioc flour and, of course,
chicken!
The ancestor statues of the Hemba are usually
male, posed in a powerful stance, beautifully
symmetrical, with arms and forearms brought
forward over the abdomen. This noble and
proud statue of an ancestor exhibits those
qualities the Hemba admired. The figure’s
posture gives the impression he has just come to
rest, briefly, before continuing on, like a warrior
or hunter. He is very human in the superb facial
detail and richly designed headdress. Yet, he
possesses an otherworldly aspect, as if he has
walked out of the wood he was carved from. He
exudes something not of this world, which is
both beautiful and mysterious. Perhaps this
enigmatic quality is the very definition of a work
of art.
- (PF.4523)
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