Existing comment:
Righteous.
They are made to be looked up to.
These two sentries stand as virtuous, upright, and beautiful representations of key Hemba leaders, since passed. Each figure was commissioned by Hemba leaders as portraits of a remembered and venerated male predecessor.
Instead of portraying these men directly, however, these sculptures may instead be considered "moral portraits" -- dignified, serene, strong, and contained. They embody the physical and ethical ideals of leadership for a typical late 19th century Hemba community. |