Staff Finial: Ngoyo Queen Giving Birth and Holding Child

19th–early 20th century, inventoried 1930

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

Oral traditions identified this kneeling woman, in the act of giving birth and holding a child that extends across her chest, as the Ngoyo Queen and founder of the Woyo people. This staff summit, likely part of Ngoyo’s official royal insignia, was obtained by Father Lourenço Mambuko, one of the last priests ordained in the Spiritan seminary of Landana in 1930.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Staff Finial: Ngoyo Queen Giving Birth and Holding Child
Date: 19th–early 20th century, inventoried 1930
Geography: Cabinda, Angola, Landana region
Culture: Kongo people; Woyo group
Medium: Ivory
Dimensions: H. 4 5/8 in. (11.7 cm), W. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm), D. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)
Classification: Bone/Ivory-Sculpture
Credit Line: Musée du Quai Branly, Paris
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing