Maternity figure – Wood – Phemba / Yombe – Congo

Powerfull Phemba / Yombe maternity figure from DR Congo.
The 300,000 YOMBE people are artistically prolific. Their maternity figures have a high pointed or rounded coiffure incised with geometric motifs.
This superb example of Kongo sculpture shows the emphasis given to the head and detailed body. This female figure embodied a gentler spiritual force then the threatening male figures and was used for fertility rituals. The figure is carrying a child on her left arm.
Good condition with beautiful aged patina.