Additional Information:  A beautiful old Bakongo maternity figure with snake headdress and two children. The maternity figures of the Kongo group, which includes the Kongo, Yombe and Vili, are among the most famous and sought-after in the world. Though typical in design, the small size of our figure is quite unusual. The historical roots of the Kongo group, and their great king "Ne Kongo," can be traced back to the 13th century. Without much competition, they expanded steadily until they controlled a vast part of West Central Africa, including most of present day Angola, Gabon, Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. The arrival of the Portuguese and their missionaries in the 16th century ended their expansion, especially southward. The Kongo were also one of the major sources of slaves to the New World. Today, though greatly diminished, the approximately three million Kongo can still be found in Angola, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the Republic of Congo. Kongo statuary is justifiably famous, and falls into three categories: the power figures, known as "nkondi nkisi" are the most recognized, as they can be enormously impressive and complex, with mirrors, nails, blades, feathers, and any number of other additives placed upon an already dramatic wooden statue. These figures are manipulated by the "nganga," or healer, to protect one from bad luck, witchcraft, or any number of personal reasons. Magical statues help bridge the gap between the known and the unknown, and ease everyday tensions in the village. Also famous and quite common are the mother and child figures. Carved for obvious reasons, they are often of great beauty. The figures and masks from this group can be very difficult to tell apart, as they share mulitple stylisitic similarities. For a wonderful discussion and many superb examples, see A SURVEY OF ZAIREAN ART: THE BRONSON COLLECTION, by Cornet.

• Type of Object: Carving, Figure, Statue, Sculpture
• Materials: Wood, glass
• Country of Origin: Democractic Republic of Congo, Angola
• Dimensions: Height: 22.5 InchesBase 6.75 x 7.25 inches
• People: Bakongo (Kongo) or Yombe

Type of Object: Carving, Figure, Statue, SculptureAfrica Direct