Female Fertility Statuette - Luba-hemba - Drc - Late 19th / Early 20th Century - Primitive Art

Statuette representing a nude female figure, standing, knees slightly bent, hands symbolically placed on the buttocks. The belly, round and prominent, suggests an advanced pregnancy. The arms, slightly arched, frame a harmoniously sculpted youthful chest. The face displays a dynamic expression, accentuated by the mouth and open eyes. The circular bun headdress, delimited by a hoop with an engraved linear pattern, is arranged towards the back and presents a symbol in the form of a headband with zigzag decorations. Wood, old honey and brown patina of use, some discreet traces of ritual projections, small loss on the front part of the base. Luba-Hemba, Democratic Republic of Congo, late 19th / early 20th century Dimensions: 15.5 x 4.4 cm – With base: 17.6 cm Provenance: former collection in northern France Sold with certificate of authenticity from the expert Serge Reynes, guarantee of origin and period. *Shipping costs on estimate. This female statuette, by its posture and attributes, is part of the representations of fertility figures in African art. The protruding belly and the hands placed on the buttocks can symbolize fertility and the protection of motherhood. Such figures were often used in rituals aimed at promoting conception and protecting pregnant women. The presence of a zigzag pattern on the headdress can also evoke symbols of fertility or protection.