Kongo Phemba maternity figure
Motherhood in African art in the Congo
The piece I am presenting to you here is a true sculptural masterpiece: it contains all the elements of a classical Bakongo figure. This African phemba or pfemba maternity statue is in the form of a mother sitting cross-legged, trunk slightly leaning forward, holding a reclining child on her knees. One feels in the left hand the protective gesture of the mother holding the head of her child.
The top of the bust and the back are beautifully encrusted with scarifications like those worn by the young Kongo women as seen in the attached context photos. The mother also wears the detailed mpu cap with equal care. It testifies to the origin of the territory of the north-west of this maternity statue corresponding to that where the Yombe, Vili and Sundi reside. The piece is probably at the crossroads between the Yombé and Sundi currents.
The mouth is open in a powerful vocalization while maintaining delicately sculpted lips. The eyes are open, encrusted with shards of mirror that breathe life into them.
The sitting position with crossed legs is also loaded with meaning since it is called funda nkata, a sign of great honor. A proverb is also attached to it: "The former sitting cross-legged wishes to be greeted with respect." The ring bordering the mpu cap is not carved by chance: it is called nkata aduka and is used to stabilize the loads carried on the head.
Symbolically, this set of elements becomes an invocation: "May the child in your lap (nkata) be stabilized as by a head ring (nkata) and complete the circle (nkata) of his life."
Representations of mother to child are found in many ethnic groups including the Kongo, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
01453
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1950
- Size
- 39 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Condition
- Excellent
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Motherhood in African art in the Congo
The piece I am presenting to you here is a true sculptural masterpiece: it contains all the elements of a classical Bakongo figure. This African phemba or pfemba maternity statue is in the form of a mother sitting cross-legged, trunk slightly leaning forward, holding a reclining child on her knees. One feels in the left hand the protective gesture of the mother holding the head of her child.
The top of the bust and the back are beautifully encrusted with scarifications like those worn by the young Kongo women as seen in the attached context photos. The mother also wears the detailed mpu cap with equal care. It testifies to the origin of the territory of the north-west of this maternity statue corresponding to that where the Yombe, Vili and Sundi reside. The piece is probably at the crossroads between the Yombé and Sundi currents.
The mouth is open in a powerful vocalization while maintaining delicately sculpted lips. The eyes are open, encrusted with shards of mirror that breathe life into them.
The sitting position with crossed legs is also loaded with meaning since it is called funda nkata, a sign of great honor. A proverb is also attached to it: "The former sitting cross-legged wishes to be greeted with respect." The ring bordering the mpu cap is not carved by chance: it is called nkata aduka and is used to stabilize the loads carried on the head.
Symbolically, this set of elements becomes an invocation: "May the child in your lap (nkata) be stabilized as by a head ring (nkata) and complete the circle (nkata) of his life."
Representations of mother to child are found in many ethnic groups including the Kongo, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.