Hemba Londoy SOLD
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The Hemba live in
the north-east of the Luba cultural area, on either side of the Luika
River. They form, with part of the western Luba, Tabwa, Boyo and Bembe, an
extensive cultural and artistic area; the stylistic and ethnographic
variations of each group represent numerous beliefs and practices that
remain unexplained.
Hemba Ancestor figure.
Southern Hemba. Shaba, Zaïre. Wood, 31 cm.
Provenance: Roger Londoy, collected between 1945-1952
©David Norden 2006
The ancestor cult is a major feature in religious practices throughout
the region. For example, in Luba art ancestors of kings and chiefs are
featured on sceptres, spears, chairs and other regalia, and large statuary
plays a minor role. In contrast, the Hemba are best known for their
funereal statuary. In the past, families established their position within
the vast clan structure by creating ancestor figures, imposing sculptures
representing — literally — past generations.
The artistic style of the Hemba is very similar to that of the Luba, as
many of their forms are borrowed. Art often results from the elaboration
of otherwise simple utilitarian objects. Extensive wooden sculptures,
which often represent the ancestors, predominate.
Near the end of the 16th century, the Hemba began their migration from
an area to the northeast, probably modern day Tanzania. In the 1800s under
the direction of Niembo and his son, Myhiya, the Hemba moved into their
current location along the Congo (Zaire) River. The Luba unsuccessfully
tried to incorporate the Southern Hemba into their growing kingdom. The
Luba did succeed, however, in greatly influencing the Hemba in numerous
ways, including artistic styles. In the late 19th century, the Hemba were
subjugated to raids by Arab slave traders and again by Belgian forces
during colonization.
Generally, the Hemba acknowledge chiefs who are heads of extended
landholding families as their political leaders. Genealogy is recognized
both matrilinearly and patrilinearly, but land chiefs inherit their
positions through their maternal line.
The Hemba recognize a creator god (vidiye mukulu) and a supreme being (shimugabo).
Worship is primarily carried out through sacrifices and offerings to
ancestor shrines. Diviners play an important role in society, often
requiring that certain ancestors be appeased in order to establish balance
in the community.
This fine Hemba ancestor figures is 31 cm high.
+32- 3-227.35.40 : 
