Kongo-Yombe Maternity Group, Democratic Republic of the Congo

pfemba.

Otto Bischofsberger, Lucerne
Paolo Morigi, Lugano
Sotheby's Paris, collects ion Paolo Morigi: Art African et Océanien, December 6, 2005, lot 105
Cecille and Michael Pulitzer, Santa Barbara, acquired at the above auction

Palazzo della ragione, Padua, Un'arte per la Bellezza: Cosmesi e Salute nei Secoli, May 2 - June 17, 1984

Paolo Morigi (adv.), African Arts, Vol. XV, No. 1, November 1981, p. 19
Raoul Lehuard, Art Bakongo: les centres de style, Arnouville, 1989, vol. 2, p. 480
Girolamo Zampieri and M. Cisotto, Un'arte per la Bellezza: Cosmesi e Salute nei Secoli, Padua, 1984, cat. 71

Good condition overall for an object of this type and age. Age crack through proper left side of base and thigh. Small vertical cracks through infant, and front of torso of mother, through her spine, proper right thigh and reverse of the head. Fill to cracks in torso. Chips and losses to the mother's proper left large toe, proper right thumb, and proper left thumb and index figure, forearms of infant (presumably originally in praying position). Fill to proper left hand. Nose and lips abraded. Nicks scratches and abrasions throughout consistent with age and use. Minor water stain on bottom of base (not visible when figure is upright). Eyes inset with porcelain as seen in photographs. Fine aged medium and dark brown patina with traces of kaolin.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Yombe maternity figures (pfemba) were used in association with women's fecundity cults. The iconography of the pfemba, a cross-legged woman in upright position, holding an infant and facing to the front, can be interpreted in two ways: first, as a metaphor for the fertility of the people and the land, second as symbol for matriarchy.

Lehuard (1989, vol. II: 480-481) classifies the offered lot as being in sub-style J3 of Yombe statuary which he characterizes by the "particular attention paid to the face, which reflects a sort of gentleness," the suppleness of the attitude and the high quality of carving in the details.  He also points out the "never before seen" mark of two superimposed rectangles in relief on the upper arms of the figure.