|
HOME :
Decorative Arts :
African Sculptures : Kongo Wooden Pfemba Sculpture of a Mother and Child
|
 |
|
|
|
Kongo Wooden Pfemba Sculpture of a Mother and Child - PF.6160
Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
28.75" (73.0cm) high
Collection: African
Medium: Wood
$9,000.00
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
|
Throughout
history, the concept of mother and child united
together has been a potent
symbol; the source of works of art depicting
universal images of fecundity and
nourishment. Kongo maternity
figures, called pfemba, are among the
most celebrated works of African
art because of their easily recognizable theme,
their classical form and their
fine workmanship. Furthermore,
their full meaning and roll in Kongo society has
not been determined with
certainty because of the wealth of traditional
content of the sculpture, both
historic and symbolic. Therefore, today there is
doubt that the model was the
virgin and child, first introduced by missionaries
in the 16th Century.
This sculpture helped to promote fertility, so
crucial to the future of any tribe. As the mother
sits cross-legged, she holds
her baby carefully, in preparation for the child to
suckle her breast.
The figure wears a knitted bonnet, or
mpu, that suggests high rank
and is generally associated with a chief. The
diagonal grid pattern covering her upper torso,
shoulders, and back might
represent either a woven shawl or else the raised
patterns of decorative
scarification that were considered marks of her
sexuality and rank.
Her face shows also great expression
with her mouth held slightly ajar,
revealing four teeth. With her
headdress, necklace, bracelets and the infant
(possibly an heir), the sculptor
suggests this woman is a high-ranking member
of Kongo society. Such statues were
probably used by the ancestral cult. In the past,
similar sculptures have been
considered funeral figures. This pfemba
is especially remarkable for its tremendous
size.
With the smoothness of the wood and
the care taken in creating this
expressive sculpture, we realize the importance
that these pieces had on the
lives of people and the care that these people
took in creating and revering
them.
- (PF.6160)
|
| |
|
