Hemba Standing Female Figure, Based

Hands rest on the belly, and the eyes are half-closed in calm reflection.

This standing female figure, based, is Hemba, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved wood. Hemba sculpture is best known for its ancestor figures, carved with a characteristic serenity and composure. The figure stands with long arms bent forward, hands meeting at the stomach. The face is oval and quiet, with almond eyes, a straight nose and full lips, beneath a crested coiffure. The body ends in a block below the waist. The dark surface shows age and wear, with lighter wood showing through near the base. It is 3 inches wide and 9.75 high.

Composure, carved in a single block.