HEMBA STATUE IN THE NIEMBO STYLE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Wood H.: 71 cm (28 in.) A Hemba Niembo figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo Provenance: Pierre Dartevelle (1940–2022), Brussels Collection of Jean-Jacques Rotthier (1932–2009), Brussels, then passed down through the family Bibliography: Dartevelle (Valérie) and Plisnier (Valentine), *Pierre Dartevelle and Primitive Arts*, vol. II, 5 Continents, p. 250, fig. 291 Exuding great serenity, this Singiti figure represents a founding ancestor. Its half-closed eyes suggest a gaze turned towards another world, establishing a link between the realm of the living and that of the spirits. More than mere portraits, these idealised effigies were regarded as vessels for the chief’s life force, enabling him to continue to guide and protect his descendants. These figures were generally carved from iroko wood, a species often planted in the centre of villages as a tribute to those whose authority ensured the community’s prosperity. Long associated with the art of the neighbouring Luba, the Hemba Singiti figures are distinguished by the majesty of their bearing and the remarkable gentleness of their expression. Another figure attributed to the same master is held at the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) in Antwerp (AE.0864). Both belong to the Niembo style and originate from the Mbulula region, situated on the Kayanza–Binanga axis. A HEMBA NIEMBO FIGURE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Wood H.: 28 in. Provenance: Pierre Dartevelle (1940–2022), Brussels Collection of Jean-Jacques Rotthier (1932–2009), Brussels, then by descent Bibliography: Dartevelle (Valérie) and Plisnier (Valentine), *Pierre Dartevelle et les arts premiers*, vol. II, 5 Continents, p. 250, fig. 291 Exuding a profound sense of serenity, this Singiti figure represents a founding ancestor. Its half-open eyes suggest a gaze directed towards another realm, establishing a connection between the world of the living and that of the spirits. Rather than serving as literal portraits, these idealised effigies were believed to embody the chief’s vital force, enabling him to continue guiding and protecting his descendants. Such figures were typically carved from iroko wood, a species often planted at the centre of villages in honour of those whose authority ensured the community’s prosperity. Although long compared to the sculpture of the neighbouring Luba peoples, Hemba singiti figures are distinguished by their majestic, composed stance and the remarkable gentleness of their expression. Another figure by the same master is held at the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) in Antwerp (AE.0864). Both sculptures, executed in the Niembo style, originate from the Mbulula region, along the Kayanza–Binanga axis.