Phemba Yombe Maternity Hospital DRC Wood, pigments... Lot 167

Phemba Yombe Maternity Hospital DRC Wood, pigments H.: 21 cm. This phemba maternity hospital depicts a woman standing on a circular base, camped on powerfully curved legs, holding a child in her arms. The eyes wide open at the pupils are enhanced with white, the prognathic mouth is half-open on cut teeth. The head is surmounted by a high pointed cap. Phemba maternity wards were part of fertility rituals, conducted by a midwife. Object made specifically for colonial trade with obvious decorative interest. Circa 1940-1950. Consultant: Jean-Pierre LACOSTE