HEMBA
HEMBA
Hemba statuette (Kongo).
20th century.Height: 42 cm.A statuette carved from heavy, light brown (caramel-coloured) wood. The figure wears a traditional chief’s headdress. The upper edge of the eyes is straighter than the lower edge. The nose is slightly aquiline. The nasolabial fold is clearly defined. The pose is contemplative. The figure appears to be gazing into the future with his glass eyes, which possess both an all-seeing vision and the ability to see the past as well as the future. The mouth, sculpted in a highly realistic manner, seems ready to speak. The fingernails and toenails are finely carved.
HEMBA
Hemba statuette (Kongo).
20th century.Height: 42 cm.A statuette carved from heavy, light brown (caramel-coloured) wood. The figure wears a traditional chief’s headdress. The upper edge of the eyes is straighter than the lower edge. The nose is slightly aquiline. The nasolabial fold is clearly defined. The pose is contemplative. The figure appears to be gazing into the future with his glass eyes, which possess both an all-seeing vision and the ability to see the past as well as the future. The mouth, sculpted in a highly realistic manner, seems ready to speak. The fingernails and toenails are finely carved.
