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Lot 775

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Maternity Figure, Phemba, Mozambique wooden idol

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Maternity Figure, Pemba, Mozambique wooden idol. Large African wooden statue of a woman and 4 children, as she feeds one of them. This figure is most probably an example of a type of sculpture in Africa called pfemba (or phemba) that is related to a women's cult concerned with enhancing fertility and the treatment of infertility. The Kikongo word phemba "denotes 'the one who gives children in-potentia.' A phemba child is a magically
conceived nkisi child, a fragile emissary of the spirit world" (Janzen 1977:88). Oral tradition holds that the pfemba cult was established by a famous
midwife. The very different styles of the sculptures illustrate regional and even personal variations on the same theme.
Provenance: Miki and James J. Mangan III of Fairfield, CT
Size: 21.75" H x 7" L x 6.25" W
Weight: 7lbs
Condition: very good, one crack in base that is stable.

very good, one crack in base that is stable.

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