Sale 207 Lot 257

CONGOLESE YOMBE PHEMBA FEMALE NURSING CHILD. Patinated and decorated Kongo Yombe maternity figure, also known as a "phemba" or "pfemba". These figures are traditionally carved from wood and depict a mother seated with a child on her lap. The mother is shown with elaborate hairstyles, scarification patterns, and beaded adornments, reflecting her high status in Kongo society. These figures were not just representations of motherhood, but also served as protective objects, particularly for women during childbirth and for ensuring the well-being of children. They were also used in fertility rituals and as commemorative objects, honoring ancestral mothers. The figures are often adorned with glass eyes, which are believed to give them the ability to see into the spiritual world. The child's position can vary, sometimes lying in repose, other times actively interacting with the mother. These figures are considered important examples of Kongo art, reflecting the high value placed on women and children in Kongo culture. - Height: 12 inches.
Estimate $400-600