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SUPERB OLD YOMBE MATERNITY from DEM. REP of CONGO
8.5in
NO RESERVE !
Type of Object: Statue, figure, carving
Ethnic Group: Yombe, Kongo, Vili
Country of Origin: Zaire ( Dem. Rep. of Congo )
Materials: Wood
Approximate Age: Early 20th century
Dimensions: 8.5in ( 11in with the custom base )
Overall Condition: Excellent
BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM STAND INCLUDED
The
figure of a mother and child is an icon of Kongo art. It is not a
simple genre theme, but a statement of the spiritual power supporting
society,
the need for fertility and the promise of future
generations. These figures possibly are connected with mpemba, a
women's cult said to have been
founded by a famous midwife
and concerned with fertility and the treatment of infertility. Mpemba
seems to have grown at the same time the slave
trade
intensified, from 1770 to 1850; an increased concern for children seems
a logical development. There are also ties to the Lemba cult, which
also
arose during the slave trade period, whose members were the wealthy
mercantile elite. Lemba was concerned with healing, trade and
marriage
relations, and it redistributed potentially disruptive wealth among kin
and shrines. Inside a special box, members kept significant cult
objects
including a sack of red pigment, symbolizing the female element, called
pfemba lemba. Red pigment originally was rubbed on these
figures;
only traces remain. Costly and distinctively modeled metal bracelets
were a Lemba emblem and may be represented on the figure. The
figure
is seated, legs crossed. This pose conveys the
prestige of high political and social status, as do a number of other
details.
It is depicted wearing a close-fitting hat, traditionally made of
knotted raffia or pineapple leaf fiber. This type of hat was worn by
chiefs at
the time of their investiture and by noblewomen
who would give birth to future rulers. Brass tacks and imported glass
beads adorn the figure as
well. Other
attributes of the figure are associated with beauty, perfection and
high rank.
Scarification was viewed as erotic and beautiful; it
marked
physical maturity and assured conception. The chiseled teeth
also were considered beautiful.
A pfemba child is a magically conceived nkisi child,
a fragile emissary of the spirit world.
Shipping: I
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real problem. However I reserve the right to refuse a return which is
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and factual as possible and I am always happy to send you extra
photographs or supply further information by email.
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