177 - Important Singiti Hemba ancestor head, DR Congo.

Important Singiti Hemba ancestor head, DR Congo. A carved wooden male head with a face radiating deep serenity, characterized by high brow ridges, delicately half-closed eyes, a slender nose, and full lips. A finely incised beard accentuates the oval shape of the face. The imposing four-lobed headdress, with its powerful, voluminous form, features a remarkable cruciform composition of raised braids at the back, adorned with herringbone patterns. This arrangement constitutes a particularly interesting stylistic marker, linking the work to the Niembo sculptural traditions, notably those of the workshops in the Luika and Mbulula regions. The mastery of form, the balance of proportions, and the introspective quality of the expression lend this head an exceptional sculptural presence. Wood with a deep, nuanced dark brown patina, showing signs of wear and old fractures at the neck. Height: 34 cm