Maternité "phemba" · R. D. Congo, Yombe / Vili · ID: 3045696
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Provenance
Belgian Private CollectionPhilippe Ratton, Paris, France
Mark Eglinton, New York, USA
Description
wood, shiny patina, handwritten collection number “52 / 547” on the object, various labels, base
These mother-child representations are known throughout the Congo as “phemba”. They are considered to be the homage of the primordial mother, the guardian of fertility, but at the same time reminiscent of transitoriness, the eternal cycle of life and death.
She is equipped with elaborate scarifications, arm rings, loincloth, typical hairstyle and filed incisors. All attributes that are reserved in the Congo society only for persons of high rank and title.
Publications
Galerie Ratton: "Duo", text by Raoul Lehuard, Paris 2012, p. 50 / 51AHDRC: 0125194