A Luba/Hemba Half-Figure

Half-figure Luba/Hemba, DR Congo Mit Sockel / with base Wood. H 24 cm. Provenance: - Galerie Maria Wyss, Basel. - Private collection in western Switzerland. Described by Zemanek-Münster (Würzburg, 19.09.2009, lot 371) as follows: "Fetish half figure - wood, black-brown, partly encrusted patina, head with tribal facial features and a depression with remains of magical mass, slightly dam., fine cracks, slight signs of abrasion, on wooden base; magical substances contained, for example, human bones or the hair of twins, each in powdered form. Only by adding such ingredients were the figures given magical power; the magic priest invited the spirits to inhabit the vessel and then assist him with their powers in certain tasks. € 2.800 - 4.200" ----------------------------------------------------- Protection and divination figurine that could influence events in the owner's favor by commissioning and using magical substances. The powers could be discharged through ritual ceremonies and meetings and harnessed for the owner. In return, the figure received numerous sacrifices and attentions in the form of food, oiling and ablutions. The figure is probably an idealized image of a remarkable ancestor who was respected for his social authority during his lifetime and whose influence continued to have a direct impact on society after his death. This materialized interface between this worldly and supernatural powers had a private character and was owned by a single person or household. For the ritual practitioner who created these magic figures and endowed them with their powers, an exact, finely crafted appearance was therefore less important than the figure's effectiveness. Further reading: Nooter Roberts, Mary / Roberts, Allan F. (1996). Memory, Luba Art and the Making of History. New York: The Museum for African Art. CHF 2 000 / 4 000 Weight in grams: 1126 Condition: The condition (any wear, signs of use, tears, any other deterioration and the signs of age, etc.) of this lot can be seen in the photos we have uploaded for your documentation. If you have any questions about this item, please do not hesitate to contact Hammer Auctions ([email protected]). The information regarding the condition of the items provided for the convenience of interested parties is an opinion only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hammer Auctions accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. In the rare event that the item does not match the description in the catalog, Hammer Auctions is here to help. Buyers may return the lot for a full refund provided they notify Hammer Auctions within 5 days of receiving the lot.