Kongo-Yombe maternity statue. Democratic Republic of the Co

Kongo-Yombe maternity statue. Democratic Republic of the Congo c.1970-80 Measurements: 43 cm high The Kongo kingdom influenced the Yombe, who, at some point in their history, was an integral part of this kingdom. Their statues contain the same themes as the Yombe, maternity figures, seated kings, prestige objects and nail and mirror fetishes. The Phemba statues were used as part of a cult dedicated to female fertility and initiated by a midwife. They depict women in sitting, cross-legged or kneeling postures, with round spiky hairstyles, necklaces of glass or coral beads, a cord tied around the breasts, jewelry and polished teeth. Women are an important symbol of the Kongo, as they are considered a source of nutrition, but they are also seers and guardians of the spirit. Exhibitions: 2022 - 2024 - Fuerteventura Island “African Art: Ancestral Light” La Entallada Lighthouse. Fuerteventura Town Hall. 2021 - 2022 - Panama City. Government of Panama. “African Art: the spirit of the ancestors” Ministry of Culture Headquarters. Old Town. 2019 - 2020 - Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Caja Canarias Foundation. “Africa-Babel: the art of a Continent” Headquarters Plaza Patriotismo. 2019 - 2020 - Santa Cruz de La Palma. Caja Canarias Foundation. “Africa-Babel: the art of a Continent.” Massieu House. Santa Cruz de la Palma. 2013 - 2015 - Museum of Art of Africa and Oceania (MADAO) La Granja de San Ildefonso, Segovia 2005 --------- “Black Africa” Leather Museum. Vic - Barcelona. 2004 .......... “Black Africa” Caixa Laietana Foundation. Barcelona Main exhibition hall.