Page 1.

Since the creation of the world, men have been intrigued and intimidated by the fact that, mysteriously, women are the great protagnists of the creation of life. They are at the centre stage of the miracles of conception and pregnancy, and Motherhood is their exlusive privilege.

From immemorable time, artists have tried to capture the essence of this wonderful mystery. Africans are no exception. They have always been part and probably among the firsts, of this artistic and spiritual research process.

What you see are some examples of those inspired creations.

DESCRIPTION: Carved wooden statue of pregnant Zaire woman.

  (Item no.1)
  SIZE: (H) 31cm (W) Base width 7cm.
  MATERIAL: Light wood.
  APPROXIMATE AGE: 80 years, in good condition.
  ORIGIN: Zaire: Equatorial province.

COMMENTS: Head-dress is that of the Bakusu tribe living in the basin of the Tshwapa and Maringa rivers. (Zaire, Equatorial province.) The large protruding eyes are an influence from the Lulua sculptures. Again the arms are bent and hands on the abdomen. In the thickness of the hair dressing they kept coins and small objects.

  (Item no 2.)
  DESCRIPTION: Carved wooden statue of pregnant Zaire woman.

  SIZE: (H) 16cm (W) Base width 6cm.
  MATERIAL: Light wood - skirt of sisal.
  APPROXIMATE AGE: Very old, in good condition.
  ORIGIN: Zaire: Equatorial province.

COMMENTS: A pregnant fatish figure. Often pregnant women carried these items as good luck omens or charms to protect the unborn child.

  (Item no.3)
  DESCRIPTION: Carved wooden statue of a pregnant Zaire woman.

  SIZE: (H) 46cm (W) Base width 11cm.
  MATERIAL: Mixed material, wood, copper, raw rubber and feathers.
  APPROXIMATE AGE: More than 70 years.
  ORIGIN: Zaire: Shaba province.

COMMENTS: This ia a rare specimen. Good condition.

  (Item no.4)
  DESCRIPTION: Carved wooden statue of pregnant Zaire woman.

  SIZE: (H) 42cm (W) Base width 10cm.
  MATERIAL: Light wood, monkey fur around the neck and cloth bag.
  APPROXIMATE AGE: More than 80 years, A very old artifact.
  ORIGIN: Zaire: Equatorial province.

COMMENTS: Statue is wearing a skirt and head-dress of monkey fur. The necklace has a sachet containing herbs and traditional protective medicines.