Hemba Ancestor AAA1133 sculpture

A female sculpture from the Hemba tradition

This 20th-century female ancestral figure comes from the Hemba tribe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Imbued with the nobility of the ancestors, it symbolises spiritual power and strengthened the family lineage during important ceremonies. Versmissen presents this sculpture as a testament to Hemba cultural heritage and the role of ancestors in ceremonial life.

The figure adopts a traditional posture, with its hands resting on the navel and its eyes half-closed. Scarification marks decorate the abdomen and enrich the artistic treatment of the body. As a spiritual vessel, it facilitated the connection between the world of the dead and that of the living. Carved from natural wood in beige tones, it measures 18,5 x 20 x 57,5 cm and bears the reference AAA1133.

Details of the Hemba AAA1133 sculpture

• Female Hemba ancestral figure
• Origin: DR Congo
• Material: wood
• Dimensions: 18,5 x 20 x 57,5 cm
• Decorative scarification marks on the abdomen