Yombe maternity figure - Mayombe - Mayombé - DR Congo
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Mayombe
Material. Wood
Dimension. 58 cm
Mode of shipment. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This piece is a remarkable traditional African artwork, representing a figure of maternity. Although without direct physical analysis it is difficult to date the object with certainty, its style is very characteristic of Yombe art (or more broadly of the Kongo group), originating from the region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola.
The sculpture depicts a seated woman, holding a child on her lap. This iconography, often called pfemba in the Kongo context, is a central theme symbolizing fertility, the continuity of the lineage, and the social power of women in society.
The most striking element is the use of brass nails inlaid into the wood. They adorn the forehead, shoulders, and the pointed headdress. In these cultures, brass was a precious and rare metal imported, symbolizing wealth, prestige, and a high social status.
The headdress: The woman's head is topped with a tall, pointed headdress, richly decorated with these metal nails, which underscores the solemn and authoritative character of the figure.
The face presents naturalistic but stylized features, with eyes emphasized and a slightly open mouth. The overall expression is calm, dignified, and protective.
The statue rests on a rectangular base, also carved with geometric motifs (crossbars) on its sides, which is typical of bases of this type of statue.
Cultural Meaning
Symbol of fertility: Beyond a simple maternal representation, these figures were often used in ritual contexts. They served to invoke the protection of ancestors, to promote women's fertility, or to heal childhood-related illnesses.
The richness of the decoration (the presence of brass) suggests that this sculpture probably belonged to a person of high rank, such as a wife of a chief or an influential woman within the community.
The posture, with the mother holding the child firmly yet gently, expresses a strong and protective bond, reinforcing the idea of the transmission of life and family values.
This is a piece of classic craft, whose dark and lustrous patina suggests great antiquity and frequent handling.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Mayombe
Material. Wood
Dimension. 58 cm
Mode of shipment. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This piece is a remarkable traditional African artwork, representing a figure of maternity. Although without direct physical analysis it is difficult to date the object with certainty, its style is very characteristic of Yombe art (or more broadly of the Kongo group), originating from the region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola.
The sculpture depicts a seated woman, holding a child on her lap. This iconography, often called pfemba in the Kongo context, is a central theme symbolizing fertility, the continuity of the lineage, and the social power of women in society.
The most striking element is the use of brass nails inlaid into the wood. They adorn the forehead, shoulders, and the pointed headdress. In these cultures, brass was a precious and rare metal imported, symbolizing wealth, prestige, and a high social status.
The headdress: The woman's head is topped with a tall, pointed headdress, richly decorated with these metal nails, which underscores the solemn and authoritative character of the figure.
The face presents naturalistic but stylized features, with eyes emphasized and a slightly open mouth. The overall expression is calm, dignified, and protective.
The statue rests on a rectangular base, also carved with geometric motifs (crossbars) on its sides, which is typical of bases of this type of statue.
Cultural Meaning
Symbol of fertility: Beyond a simple maternal representation, these figures were often used in ritual contexts. They served to invoke the protection of ancestors, to promote women's fertility, or to heal childhood-related illnesses.
The richness of the decoration (the presence of brass) suggests that this sculpture probably belonged to a person of high rank, such as a wife of a chief or an influential woman within the community.
The posture, with the mother holding the child firmly yet gently, expresses a strong and protective bond, reinforcing the idea of the transmission of life and family values.
This is a piece of classic craft, whose dark and lustrous patina suggests great antiquity and frequent handling.
Details
Indigenous object name
Mayombe
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Mayombé
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Yombe maternity figure
Height
58 cm
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