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The forested region of the Lower Zaire River is important in the artistic history of black Africa, because it boasts the greatest concentration of maternity figures and stone statuary. The focal point is the vast Yombe area where numerous individual styles may be found. The Kongo kingdom influenced the Yombe who, at one point of their history, were an integral part of this kingdom. The 350,000 Yombe people are artistically prolific. They produced some of the finest sculpture in all Africa.Some of the most spectacular Yombe pieces are the nkisi nkonde figures. They also carve masks and drums to be used in initiation ceremonies. Everyday objects such as combs, staffs, and fly whisks were often carved with figures as a display of wealth and power. |
External links
http://www.zyama.com/yombe/pics..htm