Yombe Maternity, Mother and Child Figure, African Start Price USD 490.00 Current Price USD 490.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, July 20, 2008 End Time Sunday, July 27, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Yombe Maternity, Mother and Child Figure, African' Description Title: Yombe Maternity, Mother and Child Figure,African Type of Object: carving, figure Ethnic Group: Yombe Country of Origin: DR Congo Materials: Wood, glass, pigment Approximate Age: Mid 20th century Dimensions: Height is 11 inhes Overall Condition: Good Damage, Repair: Old cracks, some with indigenous repairs Additional Information: The maternity figures of the Kongo group, which includes the Kongo, Yombe and Vili, are among the most famous and sought-after in the world. Though typical in design, the small size of our figure is quite unusual. The historical roots of the Kongo group, and their great king "Ne Kongo," can be traced back to the 13th century. Without much competition, they expanded steadily until they controlled a vast part of West Central Africa, including most of present day Angola, Gabon, Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. The arrival of the Portuguese and their missionaries in the 16th century ended their expansion, especially southward. The Kongo were also one of the major sources of slaves to the New World. Today, though greatly diminished, the approximately three million Kongo can still be found in Angola, DRC and the Congo. Kongo statuary is justifiably famous, and falls into three categories: the power figures, known as "nkondi nkisi" are the most recognized, as they can be enormously impressive and complex, with mirrors, nails, blades, feathers, and any number of other additives placed upon an already dramatic wooden statue. These figures are manipulated by the "nganga," or healer, to protect one from bad luck, witchcraft, or any number of personal reasons. Magical statues help bridge the gap between the known and the unknown, and ease everyday tensions in the village. Also famous and quite common are the mother and child figures. Carved for obvious reasons, they are often of great beauty. The figures and masks from this group can be very difficult to tell apart, as they share mulitple stylisitic similarities.Mother and child figure represents the female ancestor taking care of her descendants.This commemorative figure would have been used to honor the maternal spirit who brings prosperity and fertility. Among the Kongo people, woman is considered as the chief of the family. Thus, female ancestor is the guarantor of the fecundity and continuity of the clan or family. Such sculptures would be kept on a family or local shrine where she would be receiving sacrifices and offerings.For a wonderful discussion and many superb examples, see A SURVEY OF ZAIREAN ART: THE BRONSON COLLECTION, by Cornet.**029152** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!