African Arts Gallery

Yombe Stick (N° 21455)

Of Pfemba inspiration, the female effigy at the top embodies the ancestor of the clan, a mediating figure, as evidenced by the rhombic scarifications of the bust. The Yombe indeed decorated their textiles, mats and loincloths, with this type of rhombic motifs in relation to proverbs glorifying work and social unity. The open mouth exhibits traditionally filed teeth, and the wide eyes emphasize the foremother's ability to perceive the beyond, to discern hidden things. This type of statuette phemba , pfemba ,also adorned the top of prestige canes, mwala .
Satin patina.
Belonging to the Kongo group, the Yombe are established on the West African coast, in the southwestern Republic of the Congo and in Angola. Their statuary includes remarkable maternities. Among the Kongo , the nganga took charge of rituals by activating a spiritual force with a nkondi (pl. nkissi). The term nkisi was later used to refer to notions of "sacred" or "divine." The most influential category of "minkisi kongo" consisted of instruments to assist regional chiefs in enforcing the law.
Source: "le geste Kongo" Ed. Musée Dapper and "Trésors d'Afrique" Musée de Tervuren