Product Description
Mumuye Male Figure – Nigeria
This great Mumuye figure, carved with crescentic coiffure, an helmet like shaped head, large circular eyes and disc-like ears has a characteristical toroidal shape and the unmistakable stylistic sign of this Mumuye ethnic group.
Made of 100% Wood.
Model is W 70 – H 11 and weight 2 kg.
Description
This great Mumuye figure has a characteristical toroidal shape and the unmistakable stylistic sign of this ethnic group. The muscular legs, proportionally smaller than the remainder of the body, supporting the slender, arched torso with a protruding navel and rounded chest leading to arms suspended at the sides. The face is incised with geometric scarifications. Carved with crescentic coiffure, the small helmet-shaped head with large circular eyes and disc-like ears; varied dark brown patina with areas of kaolin. The proud pose, characterized by chest pushed out, suggests the representation of an ancestor of certain importance for the community. The Mumuye distinguish the gender of the figures on the basis of the shape of the ears; only Mumuye women distend their earlobes. This may be the only clue to determining the gender of a figure.
The functions of sculptural figures are varied. They were used by both diviners and healers, whose professions included diagnosis and cure of ill health and other kinds of misfortunes. The figures demostrate the ‘high degree of stylistic diversity which parallels the variety of functions of Mumuye figures: some were used as oracles, others in connection with healing and still others reinforced the status of important elders as embodiments of vaguely conceived tutelary spirits. At times, one figure acted in two or more of these capacities. figurative sculpture enhanced the influence and reputations of leaders and religious specialists in Mumuye society by furthering their efforts to predict the future, heal the sick, and make rain fall.
The Mumuye mostly live in northeastern Nigeria between the cities of Jalingo and Zinna, in a region that is bounded by the bend of the Benue River and the Cameroon border. Estimated to number 70,000 to 400,000 the people cultivate sorghum, millet, and yams. Socially they are divided into small family groups called dola, which are headed by a council of elders with an elected leader. Due to the difficulty of access to their land of rocky hills and savannas, the Mumuye remained in near total isolation until 1959. Mumuye artists are famous for their wooden statues known as iagalagana. The Mumuye statuary was discovered in 1968. With no royal system, the Mumuye are organized by age classes and choose a village chief who is assisted by a council of elders.
Additional information
Weight | 2 kg |
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Dimensions | 70 × 11 cm |
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