Phemba Maternity - Bakongo - DR Congo






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Maternité Phemba, a Bakongo mother‑and‑child sculpture from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 24 cm high, 1 cm wide and 1 cm deep, weight 1 g, provenance private collection, not sold with a stand, in good condition.
Description from the seller
Beautiful and ancient Pfemba maternity from the Kongo Kingdom, this sculpture soberly illustrates one of the most emblematic themes of African art: the nurturing and protective mother. Seated with dignity, the child resting on her knees, the figure exudes a deep serenity, reinforced by the harmonious balance of volumes, the finesse of the face, and the elegance of the finely carved high hairstyle. The deep patina, glossy in places, bears witness to long use and numerous ritual manipulations. Conserved within lineages, Pfemba maternities were associated with fertility, the transmission of life, the protection of children, and the prosperity of the community. This sculpture comes from an old Belgian family collection, adding to its historical and patrimonial interest.
Presentation of our expertise house
Based in Belgium, our expertise and sale house specializes in African art and ethnography. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a history of several hundred sales with an almost 100% satisfaction rate.
We regularly support liquidations, successions and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with private individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without reserve prices.
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 packing, insurance and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Beautiful and ancient Pfemba maternity from the Kongo Kingdom, this sculpture soberly illustrates one of the most emblematic themes of African art: the nurturing and protective mother. Seated with dignity, the child resting on her knees, the figure exudes a deep serenity, reinforced by the harmonious balance of volumes, the finesse of the face, and the elegance of the finely carved high hairstyle. The deep patina, glossy in places, bears witness to long use and numerous ritual manipulations. Conserved within lineages, Pfemba maternities were associated with fertility, the transmission of life, the protection of children, and the prosperity of the community. This sculpture comes from an old Belgian family collection, adding to its historical and patrimonial interest.
Presentation of our expertise house
Based in Belgium, our expertise and sale house specializes in African art and ethnography. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a history of several hundred sales with an almost 100% satisfaction rate.
We regularly support liquidations, successions and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with private individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without reserve prices.
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 packing, insurance and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
