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.