208 - Lulua Maternity Figure, DR Congo.

Lulua Maternity Figure, DR Congo. A standing female figure holding a child against her abdomen, characterized by a slender silhouette and remarkably rich ornamentation. The expressive face, with elongated eyes and a full mouth, is framed by a finely incised hairstyle. The long, ringed neck, the raised scarification patterns on the chest, and the geometric motifs on the pelvis highlight the quality and precision of the sculptural work. This depiction follows the tradition of Bwanga Bwa Cibola mother-and-child figures, which among the Lulua are associated with fertility rites and the protection of mothers and newborns. Wood with a deep, lustrous brown-black patina, showing signs of wear on the reliefs. Height: 46.5 cm