Yombe (Congo) Phemba Figure

ITEM #:
5581
ETHNICITY:
Yombe
ORIGIN:
Democratic Republic of Congo
MEDIUM:
Wood, glass.
DIMENSIONS:
17.5″ Tall  (44.5 cm)
CONDITION:
Very Good.

PROVENANCE:
Private Estate Collection – California, USA.

CATALOGUE NOTE:
A unique rendition of a post-colonial male figure wearing a mitre cap, sitting cross-legged on a stool while pouring a drink out of a European-shaped bottle. This is figure is carved in the iconic Congo Yombe phemba genre. ‘Phembas’ represent a maternity classic theme of Yombé art that usually depicts (with variations) a mother sitting cross-legged (most times with a suckling infant on her lap), with a realistic face, gaped mouth, the body covered with keloid scarifications. Excellent patina also characteristic of a ‘Phemba’.