Lot 86
**First Time At Auction**
Central Africa, Congo, Yombe people, ca. mid-20th century CE. An evocative wood sculpture appearing to represent a mother and child as a maternity or phemba figure, though the mother looks outward, away from the child, and the petite figure seems older than childhood. The inconsistency between their possible relationship and gestures suggests a deeper meaning. In the Yombe region, Kongo society is matrilineal and has female clan founders (mpemba). Their sweeping hairstyle, seen here, is similarly called mphemba, alluding to that role. Thus, this mphemba-wearing woman is likely a clan progenitor, and the other figure her descendant. Additionally, the inlaid glass fragments placed in each of the figure's eyes suggest the sculpture's commemorative role. Reflective surfaces such as mirrored glass suggest the surface of water, a symbolic link to the ancestral realm. Kongo cosmology posits water as the median that separates the living world from the afterlife. Size: 8" L x 8.2" W x 21.8" H (20.3 cm x 20.8 cm x 55.4 cm)
Note the intricate designs of scarification along the larger female's shoulders, chest, and biceps. Women from this region often had intricate patterns of scarification on their bodies, made by rubbing substances into incisions in the skin. These keloid tattoos increased a woman's sexual appeal - without scarifications a woman might be mocked because she was "as slippery as a fish." Filed teeth also reflect the Kongo ideal of female beauty.
Pfemba or phemba maternity figures like this example reflect the degree to which women are treasured in Kongo culture, not just for their fecundity, but as seers and guardians of the spirit. This and other similar sculptures are linked to a Kongo fertility-focused womens cult that flourished from 1770 to 1850, during the height of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. During this period, women both raised children and took on customarily male agricultural roles. This sculpture underscores how Kongo women supported future generations during a time of widespread social upheaval and trauma.
Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#126020
- Condition: Some stable hairline fissures to wood in areas and deep fissures and pitting to right verso of head, neck, back, and buttocks; none greatly affecting overall form. Nicks, chips, and abrasions to surface as shown. Otherwise, mostly intact with nice presentation and rich patina.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |