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Kongo/Yombe Phemba Seated Maternity Figure Congo Africa

Item number: 190219957261
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Starting bidUS $49.99 
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Ended:12-May-08 01:01:10 BST
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Item location:Buckingham, Pennsylvania, United States
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Starting time:05-May-08 01:01:10 BST
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Seller:leedelafrique( 211Feedback score is 100 to 499)
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Kongo/Yombe Phemba Seated Maternity Figure Congo Africa



































Kongo/Yombe-style Seated Maternity Figure (Phemba). Congo (?). Wood, pigment, applied matter. 21" h x 9" w x 9" d. [53 cm x 23 cm x 23 cm]. 11.55 lbs (5.25 kg). ***** This relatively large seated figure on a squared base displays many elements of traditional Kongo/Yombe figures -- cross-legged posture, gap-toothed visage, incised cap, but it is much larger than most documented traditional examples and is clearly a more contemporary creation. It is an imposing figure and, in ways, quite wonderful. It depicts a seated, cross-legged woman holding a child on her lap. The woman's chest, shoulders and upper back are incised as was the tradition among Kongo-Yombe women. Most of its surface is rich and dark except in lighter-colored, incised areas such as the cap, chest and shoulders as well as in crevices where some kind of earthen matter has been applied. Also, there are some cracks around which there are irregularities in the finish and surface scratches (see CONDITION REPORT below and detailed images.) ***** CONDITION REPORT: In addition to hairline cracks and surface scratches, a more pronounced crack runs from the cap down the left side of the figure's head past the ear and down the neck and then reappears on the seated figure' outer left thigh and down through the squared base. Another crack runs don the chest and abdomen on a vertical line just inside the figure's left breast. ********** EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT CONSIDER OR OFFER THIS FIGURE AS A RITUAL OBJECT, I AM PROVIDING GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRADITIONAL FORM WHICH I BELIEVE SERVES AS THE INSPIRATION/ORIGIN OF THIS TYPE OF FIGURE WHICH ADDS RICHNESS TO APPRECIATION AND UNDERSTANDING: There are numerous documented examples of seated maternity figures attributed to the Kongo/Yombe peoples, generally rendered cross-legged on a square base. Traditional instances stand mostly 12-15" tall with some larger -- and smaller -- exceptions. The posture and cap (called mpu) that are represented in such figures suggest the representation of royal personages and are symbolicaly linked to fertility and ancestral honor. For more specific information on this type of figure, see Raoul Lehuard's Les Phemba du Mayombe. ***** I am happy to answer any questions about this figure and/or to provide additional information about Kongo and related cultures, histories and traditions... and other African traditions and arts. Just ask me by emailing rukundo@mac.com. Thank you! PLEASE NOTE: PAYMENTS ARE APPRECIATED PROMPTLY AT AUCTION END. I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO RE-LIST OR TO RE-OFFER A LOT VIA SECOND CHANCE OFFER IF PAYMENT OR CONFIRMATION/INQUIRY FROM WINNING BIDDER IS NOT RECEIVED WITHIN 72 HOURS OF AUCTION END. IF YOU ARE BIDDING BUT MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE WHEN AUCTION IS SCHEDULED TO CONCLUDE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADVISE SO THAT I KNOW TO ANTICIPATE A POSSIBLE DELAY! Insurance is required (and included) in all shipping costs calculated. To insure the protection of free-standing elements, I take great care in packing and shipping. I am always happy to combine shipping and pass on S&H savings when multiple items are purchased which can be safely combined into one box (or fewer boxes.) THANKS!

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