Product Description
Kunin Chamba Ancestor Figure – Nigeria
This small Kunin sculpture, from the Middle Benue River Valley, Nigeria, is distinguished by its overall elegant proportions and stylistically compared to their Mumuye and Jukun neighbors. The Chamba venerate anthropomorphic statues of male and female gender. The figure is not very common and their role is little known but it has been reported that there figures are used in a cult activity known as Jup that is in the main dominated by men or in the case of women, Jem.
Made of 100% carved wood, patina.
Model is W 8 – H 67 and weight 1.7 kg.
Description
This Kunin statuette, originating from Middle Benue River Valley, Nigeria, is distinguished by its overall elegant proportions and stylistically it can be compared to their Mumuye and Jukun neighbors, the Chamba venerate anthropomorphic statues of male and female gender. It is covered with an encrusted patina. Chamba figures are rare and their function uncertain. They might stand in particular for ancestors, or for a collectivity of the dead (ranging from those of a specific kin grouping to the dead generally), or for dangerous spirits that were taken to be human-like in appearance.
The Chamba are a small group today living south of the Benue River in Northern Nigeria in an area of mixed art and influences. Their sculptures show stylistic affinities to the and Jukun, Wurkum and Mumuye to the to the south of the River Benoue, resulting in an exchange of sculptures and styles through time between these groups. This is a good example of Chamba sculpture: The cubist style of the body and the bold rounded head with a heart-shaped face are more likely of Chamba style. The surface shows much handling and some age.
They are spread out over a number of small kingdoms, and ruled over by a king that has ultimate power over his subjects, whilst at the same time being assisted by a council of elders comprised of chiefs of lineage. The king, considered as the sun’s son, could not come out after sunset, to which a cult was dedicated mainly to obtain abundant rainfall. This royal power is counterbalanced by the existence of both masculine and feminine secret societies.
Additional information
Weight | 1.7 kg |
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Dimensions | 8 × 67 cm |
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