Couple of Kongo figures with Pfemba maternity
Art and power in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
I am offering you here a remarkable couple of small-sized figurines from the Bakongo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is a man accompanied by his wife breastfeeding their child. The latter is called phemba or pfemba. She is actually a founder of the clan, holding her child in her arms. These are exceptional pieces for several reasons. First of all because the two figurines have been kept together and in perfect condition. Then because they are statuettes of very small dimensions, which is extremely rare.
In this matrilineal society, female figurines have a great importance for reasons of transmission of power, it is indeed the female figure who holds the authority in this couple.
02332
Data sheet
- Size
- 14 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
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Art and power in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
I am offering you here a remarkable couple of small-sized figurines from the Bakongo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is a man accompanied by his wife breastfeeding their child. The latter is called phemba or pfemba. She is actually a founder of the clan, holding her child in her arms. These are exceptional pieces for several reasons. First of all because the two figurines have been kept together and in perfect condition. Then because they are statuettes of very small dimensions, which is extremely rare.
In this matrilineal society, female figurines have a great importance for reasons of transmission of power, it is indeed the female figure who holds the authority in this couple.