Standing Male Figure (Sigiti)
1 of 5
Object Label
This figure was created to commemorate an ancestor, although it does not represent the deceased in a literal way. Instead, it is intended to convey a powerful message about family continuity and the perpetuation of the clan. Often, such figures represent deceased chiefs and are kept by the current chief to symbolize the historical precedent on which his authority is based. Thus a commemorative portrait becomes an agent of social entitlement and control.
Caption
Hemba. Standing Male Figure (Sigiti), late 19th century. Carved, stained lightwood, incised, polished, woven reed, 17 3/4 x 8 x 8 in. (45.1 x 20.3 x 20.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Florence and Carl L. Selden Foundation, 68.32. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Standing Male Figure (Sigiti)
Date
late 19th century
Geography
Place made: Kongolo region, Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Medium
Carved, stained lightwood, incised, polished, woven reed
Classification
Dimensions
17 3/4 x 8 x 8 in. (45.1 x 20.3 x 20.3 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the Florence and Carl L. Selden Foundation
Accession Number
68.32
Have information?
Have information about an artwork? Contact us at