Les Phemba. Histoire de l’archéologie “The Book Wheel” collection from

“The Book Wheel” collection from Belles Lettres

thousands of representations would circulate

Volume XXVI

each sanctuary developing its own concepts and sets of concepts

archaeology

Les Phemba. Histoire de l’archéologie “The Book Wheel” collection fromBeneath their peaceful mother child appearance, the phemba statuettes of the Yombe ethnic group (Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, and Cabinda territory) raise many questions. These statuettes appeal to collectors with their universal theme of mother and childevoking gentleness and serenitytheir smooth, naturalistic appearance, and their discreet African "exoticism." Could African phemba have been inspired by European statues of Virgins and