Maternity figure – Wood – Songye – Congo

Very interesting Songye maternity figure. Stylistic wooden ancestor figure with child on the shoulder of the SONGYE tribe from D.R. Congo.
Exhibiting a wide diversity in size, symbolism, intimacy and style. African maternity figures depict the ideals of beauty, fertility, character and action and many signify much more, whether the primordial mother or a legendary founding ancestor. Commonly used as shrine figures, they were often objects of petitions or prayers for fertility and successful births.
Good condition with a beautiful aged patina.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.

Including professional custom made stand.