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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
African Stools : Hemba Wooden Chair
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Hemba Wooden Chair - CK.0092
Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
33" (83.8cm) high
x 10.625" (27.0cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Wood
$9,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
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The Hemba were long believed to be contiguous
with the Luba, and only achieved sociocultural
independence in the eyes of western African art
history in the 1970s. The Luba and the Hemba
are socioculturally and artistically similar in many
respects. However, artistic production can be
differentiated in terms of the delicacy
(enthusiasts would describe it as “refinement”) of
the carving. They are known for their decoration
of secular and utilitarian objects, notably caryatid
stools, headrests and instruments; masks are
highly distinctive – wither monkey masks, or
perfectly symmetrical plain masks with slit eyes
that are reminiscent of Lega pieces – although
their social role is currently unclear. In general
terms, figure features tend to be sharper, with
more peripheral detailing (such as hair and
beards) and a subtle geometric quality. One of
the very few indigenous artists known
specifically to western art historians was a
member of the Hemba group; the “Master of
Buli” is famous for his unique rendering of
human features in an elongated, somewhat
simian manner. Hemba figures – singiti – usually
represent male ancestors, naked figures standing
on circular bases, with elongated torsos, hands
resting on the stomach (usually protuberant,
perhaps representing wealth or prosperity),
beards, and coiffure drawn back and formed into
the shape of a cross. Warrior figures (carrying
weapons) confer power, and are usually kept by
the Fuma Mwalo; they usually have an encrusted
patina as the blood of animals (usually chickens)
is poured over them during ceremonies to recall
the glories of their lives. The Fuma Mwalo also
keeps small Janus figures known as kabejas,
which are made magical by the addition of
substances to small depressions in their heads;
their role is to protect the village, and also
receive libations to ensure they do so adequately.
This anthropomorphic style is part figure, part
furniture. The seat rests upon three legs, the
front two of which have been carved with human
type feet, as if the seat is resting upon the bent
knees of the figure. The flattened back of the
chair takes the place of the man's torso. From
the top, emerges the head carved in the
characteristic Hemba style with almond-shaped
eyes and a thin beard highlighting his chin.
- (CK.0092)
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