Phemba maternity statue - Bakongo - DR Congo (No reserve price)

Phemba maternity statue – Bakongo – Democratic Republic of the Congo

A figure of fertility and transmission, at the heart of Kongo spiritual thought.

This Phemba maternity statue fully belongs to the great Bakongo corpus, where the representation of mother and child goes far beyond a mere evocation of birth. Here, motherhood embodies above all notions of lineage continuity, protection, healing, and the link between the world of the living and that of the ancestors.

The figure is depicted seated, in a stable and inward-looking posture, holding the child against her. This attitude, recurrent in ancient Phemba maternities, emphasizes the woman’s fundamental role as a conduit of life but also of spiritual knowledge. The child, often associated with rebirth and the clan’s future, is held firmly, almost ritually, conveying a codified relationship rather than a naturalistic one.

The face shows expressive features, slightly accentuated, with a slightly gaping mouth and a concentrated gaze, sometimes interpreted as a state of communication with the invisible. The treatment of the body, deliberately compact and dense, gives the whole piece a contained sculptural power, characteristic of works intended for ritual use.

The ancient patina, deep and nuanced, testifies to a long ritual journey. It most likely results from repeated handling, anointings, and deposits of substances (oils, powders, ritual residues), giving the surface this satin, living aspect highly sought after by collectors. The coherent wear areas reinforce the authenticity and antiquity of the piece.

This type of maternity was frequently linked to fertility practices, protection of the mother and child, but also to cults associated with nkisi, where the sculpture could play an active role in healing or intercession rites. Through its formal balance and symbolic charge, this work ranks among the emblematic forms of Kongo statuary, today highly sought after.

A sculpture that is at once intimate, powerful, and highly representative, accurately illustrating the spiritual and artistic richness of the Bakongo world.

Presentation of our authentication house

Based in Belgium, our expertise and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A reference seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate.

We regularly assist in liquidations, successions, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent, and accessible, with many sales offered without a reserve price.

Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.

Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for further information.