Yombe (Phemba) figure - Figure - Yombe - Congo
07
days
15
hours
42
minutes
19
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 4,400 - € 4,900
No bids placed
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Description from the seller
It's commonly believed that Phemba are used to promote fertility in women. Depending on the figure, it's been suggested that Phemba could've depicted the mother of the chief, the principal wife of the chief, or in the case of a figure with a supine child, a wife of the chief whose child had died, and functioned as royal images or memorials. Phemba could also represent ancestral statues representing the founding mother of the Yombe tribe. It's also possible that Phemba are related to a women's fertility cult founded by a famous midwife who was concerned with fertility and the treatment of infertility. In special cases, communities honored women by commissioning stone icons depicting a mother and child to be placed on their tombs. This was also considered dangerous, as it represented an insertion of the source of life - the mother – into the world of the dead.
Old french collection
Seller's Story
Montagut Gallery
Gallery specializing in African tribal art
Montagut Gallery is a gallery specializing in African tribal art, a space devoted to exploring and celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the African continent. Founded in 1990 in Barcelona, the gallery has been a beacon for lovers of tribal art, thanks to the drive and passion of Guilhem Montagut.
Guided by his deep interest in tribal art, Guilhem Montagut immersed himself in this fascinating world through the influence of Rachel Montagut, pioneer and visionary in the world of African tribal art, founder and prominent gallerist. Since then, the gallery has remained true to its mission of spreading the beauty and importance of African art on the international art scene.
Montagut Gallery’s presence extends beyond the borders of Barcelona, actively participating in world-renowned fairs such as TEFAF Maastricht, Brafa Art Fair, Paris Tribal, Parcours des Mondes, and FAB.
The gallery is dedicated to organizing multidisciplinary exhibitions that dialogue and juxtapose African art with other artistic languages, creating a space for cultural exchange and reflection. Its aim is to raise awareness and help people understand that African art is not only a unique cultural expression but also an integral and indispensable part of the world’s art history heritage.
Translated by Google TranslateIt's commonly believed that Phemba are used to promote fertility in women. Depending on the figure, it's been suggested that Phemba could've depicted the mother of the chief, the principal wife of the chief, or in the case of a figure with a supine child, a wife of the chief whose child had died, and functioned as royal images or memorials. Phemba could also represent ancestral statues representing the founding mother of the Yombe tribe. It's also possible that Phemba are related to a women's fertility cult founded by a famous midwife who was concerned with fertility and the treatment of infertility. In special cases, communities honored women by commissioning stone icons depicting a mother and child to be placed on their tombs. This was also considered dangerous, as it represented an insertion of the source of life - the mother – into the world of the dead.
Old french collection
Seller's Story
Montagut Gallery
Gallery specializing in African tribal art
Montagut Gallery is a gallery specializing in African tribal art, a space devoted to exploring and celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the African continent. Founded in 1990 in Barcelona, the gallery has been a beacon for lovers of tribal art, thanks to the drive and passion of Guilhem Montagut.
Guided by his deep interest in tribal art, Guilhem Montagut immersed himself in this fascinating world through the influence of Rachel Montagut, pioneer and visionary in the world of African tribal art, founder and prominent gallerist. Since then, the gallery has remained true to its mission of spreading the beauty and importance of African art on the international art scene.
Montagut Gallery’s presence extends beyond the borders of Barcelona, actively participating in world-renowned fairs such as TEFAF Maastricht, Brafa Art Fair, Paris Tribal, Parcours des Mondes, and FAB.
The gallery is dedicated to organizing multidisciplinary exhibitions that dialogue and juxtapose African art with other artistic languages, creating a space for cultural exchange and reflection. Its aim is to raise awareness and help people understand that African art is not only a unique cultural expression but also an integral and indispensable part of the world’s art history heritage.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Number of objects
1
Title
Yombe (Phemba) figure
Country of origin
Congo
Material
wood
Indigenous object name
Yombe
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
24 cm
Width
9 cm
Depth
9 cm
Estimated period
1900-1910
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