Pfemba Yombe maternity statuette, DRC - Lot 64

Pfemba Yombe maternity statuette, DRC A miniature Kongo carving, this African feminine effigy embodies the clan ancestor, a mediating figure. The child embodies the matrilineal transmission of power. The Yombe adorned their textiles, mats and loincloths, with lozenges associated with proverbs glorifying work and social unity. These effigies frequently formed the motif carved atop chiefs' canes. Dark brown lustrous patina. A clan of the Kongo group, the Yombe are settled on the West African coast, in the southwest of the Republic of Congo and in Angola. Their statuary includes remarkable maternity figures. Little is known about the use of this type of sculpture. Among the Kongo, the nganga performed rituals by activating a spiritual force with a nkondi (pl. nkissi). The term nkisi was later used to designate the notions of "sacred" or "divine". The most influential category of "minkisi kongo" were instruments designed to help regional chiefs enforce the law. Source: "le geste Kongo" Ed. Musée Dapper and "Trésors d'Afrique" Musée de Tervuren; "L'Ame de l'Afrique" s.Diakonoff. 16 x 5 cm