Yombe maternity figure - Mayombe - Mayombé - DR Congo
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€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 160 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of Congo
Tribe name. Mayombe
Material. Wood
Dimension. 58 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h, please open.
This decorative piece is a remarkable work of traditional African art, depicting a maternity figure. Although, without direct physical analysis, it is difficult to date the object with certainty, its style is highly characteristic of Yombe art (or more broadly the Kongo group), originating from the region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola.
The sculpture shows a seated woman holding a child on her knees. This iconography, often called pfemba in the Kongo context, is a central theme symbolizing fertility, the continuity of 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, rare imported metal, thus 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, underscoring the solemn and authoritative character of the figure.
The face features naturalistic yet stylized traits, with narrowed eyes 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 for this type of statuary.
Cultural Meaning
Symbol of fertility: Beyond a simple maternal representation, these figures were often used in ritual contexts. They served to invoke ancestral protection, to promote the fertility of women, or to heal childhood illnesses.
The richness of the decoration (the presence of brass) suggests that this sculpture likely belonged to a person of high rank, such as a chief’s wife or an influential woman within the community.
The posture, with the mother holding the child firmly yet gently, expresses a strong, protective bond, reinforcing the idea of transmission of life and family values.
Origin. Democratic Republic of Congo
Tribe name. Mayombe
Material. Wood
Dimension. 58 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h, please open.
This decorative piece is a remarkable work of traditional African art, depicting a maternity figure. Although, without direct physical analysis, it is difficult to date the object with certainty, its style is highly characteristic of Yombe art (or more broadly the Kongo group), originating from the region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola.
The sculpture shows a seated woman holding a child on her knees. This iconography, often called pfemba in the Kongo context, is a central theme symbolizing fertility, the continuity of 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, rare imported metal, thus 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, underscoring the solemn and authoritative character of the figure.
The face features naturalistic yet stylized traits, with narrowed eyes 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 for this type of statuary.
Cultural Meaning
Symbol of fertility: Beyond a simple maternal representation, these figures were often used in ritual contexts. They served to invoke ancestral protection, to promote the fertility of women, or to heal childhood illnesses.
The richness of the decoration (the presence of brass) suggests that this sculpture likely belonged to a person of high rank, such as a chief’s wife or an influential woman within the community.
The posture, with the mother holding the child firmly yet gently, expresses a strong, protective bond, reinforcing the idea of transmission of life and family values.
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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