An ancient female protector statuette in a beautiful classical style, featuring a powerful chest with outstretched breasts and carved in a characteristic forward movement, to be compared with another sculpture exhibited and reproduced (p.124 n°394) at the famous African Negro Art exhibition at the Moma in New York in 1935. Bembe, Republic of Congo Wood, earthenware, old wear and cracks, beautiful patina. H. 13.5 cm Provenance : Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels Marc Blanpain Collection, Brussels