Seated Female Figure with Child (Phemba)
Sculpture, figurative carving • Yombe or Kongo style carver (Central Africa/Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Style & Movement
Traditional African Art (Kongo/Yombe) influence; Neo-traditional
Medium & Technique
Hand-carved organic material, likely bone or imitation ivory (resin/celluloid), with a wooden base
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 20th Century (Post-colonial/Tourist trade period)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 6-8 inches in height; vertical/free-standing on a custom wooden plinth.
Subject Description
Maternity figure (Phemba) depicting a seated mother in a high-status headdress (mitre) and scarification, with a smaller child figure. Symbolizes fertility, lineage, and the interconnectedness of ancestors and the living.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; shows consistent surface color and some minor dust accumulation. Surface appears too uniform for antique ivory.
Estimated Market Value
USD 50.00 - USD 150.00
Auction Estimate
USD 40.00 - USD 80.00
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a souvenir or through the ethnographic trade in the mid-20th century. No visible collection stamps or labels.
Art Historical Significance
A contemporary or mid-century interpretation of the classical Yombe 'maternity' theme. While lacks the age/patina of museum-quality 19th-century works, it serves as a representative example of surviving cultural iconographies in the 20th-century artisan market.
Notable Features
The presence of a squared-off headdress and the geometric incised base indicate a specific adherence to Yombe stylistic templates translated for a modern audience.
Condition Issues
Minor surface abrasions; natural grain of base wood is visible but organic material of statue lacks Schreger lines, suggesting bone or synthetic material rather than elephant ivory.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a stable environment with moderate humidity. Dust with a soft brush; avoid harsh chemicals or oils which may stain organic porous material.