Kongo (Bakongo, Bashikongo, Kakongo),  Angola and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Maternity figure.  The Kongo occupy the region at the mouth of the Congo River. They survive from day to day on agricultural production, fishing, and hunting. Kongo artists carved numerous figures and objects characterized by naturalistic features. The founding-mother of the clan occupies a position of great respect; the art of lower DRC is one of the richest in representations of mother-and-child-group. The maternity statues were used to ward off danger to mothers during delivery and to protect the health of the child. The figure possibly is also connected with a women’s pfemba cult concerned with fertility and the treatment of infertility. A maternity statue’s effectiveness depended on the dignity of the figure and its youth (often shown by the firmness of the breasts).

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 35 ½”, W. 9”, D. 11”

Price:  $ 345+$46 (S&H)                     [#N6K8S534]