250968 - Antique Rare African Maternite Phemba Woyo sculpture - Congo.

Old & Rare African Maternite Phemba Woyo sculpture - Congo.
Hand carved from a single piece of wood.
Height: 57 cm.

This Pemba Woyo sculpture is dated from the first half of the 20th century and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The Kongo Woyo Maternity Phemba is a distinctive artwork associated with the Kongo Woyo people, native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This sculpture represents a maternity ward and has profound significance in Kongo culture and spirituality.

The Maternité Phemba is a sculpted figure, usually made of wood, depicting a mother holding a child close to her body. It is a symbol of fertility, motherhood, and the continuity of life. At its foot, this sculpture commemorates a deceased child.

On the back, a medicinal opening is protected by glass, through which medicinal herbs are placed to stimulate fertility.

These sculptures can vary in size and detail, but often share stylistic features typical of Kongo culture, such as geometric patterns and scarification.

In Kongo culture, the Maternité Phemba is connected to the ancestors and is often used in ceremonial and ritual contexts. It is considered a link between past and future generations and is honored for its role in perpetuating lineage.

As a work of art, the Maternité Phemba is valued for its symbolic meaning and its representation of motherhood in Kongo culture. It testifies to the history, beliefs, and identity of the Kongo Woyo people. These sculptures are often sought after by art collectors and museums worldwide for their cultural significance and their contribution to traditional African art.