A female Mumuye sculpture, Nigeria, carved from light wood, standing on its short zigzag legs, a long thin abdomen that thickens at the top, protruding navel, two flattened and elongated arms joining at the waist by the two hands, two small breasts hiding under the shoulders cave, a conical neck carrying a head composed of expressive features, the eyes are placed in two cavities making the look of the sculpture astonished, a thin nose, small lips, two long square ears fall on each side of the head; some aged cracks, signs of ritual use.

"Until the 1970s most Mumuye sculpture were misattributed to their neighbors the Chamba. With no royal system, the Mumuye are organized by age classes and choose a village chief who is assisted by a council of elders. The vabong secret society regulates Mumuye religious life. Entry into the society is achieved through initiation ceremonies. The initiation of boys begins at the age of ten and takes place in a tsafi hut, where the statues are kept.
Even though the Mumuye show great respect for the sculls of the ancestors, their statuary does not depict ancestors, but rather incarnate tutelary spirits. Yet, statues reinforce the status and prestige of their owner who, as he holds them in his hands, has a dialogue with them and thus ensures his personal protection. 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 were used to greet rainmaker's clients, guard the house, serve as owner's confidant, and in trials when men in dispute swear on the statue, which they must kiss. Elders used them to reinforce their status in society. It was not unusual for a figure simultaneously to serve two or more functions". Sources: Zyama.com

Lit.: Frank Herreman and Constantine Petridis, The Discovery of Mumuye Art. In: Frank Herreman, Mumuye. Sculpture from Nigeria. The Human Figure Reinvented, Milan 2016, p. 9 (8-13). Alan, G. Wilkonson, p. 608 ff, Primitivism in 20th Century Art, Prestel, ed. William Rubin, 1996.

Drawing by Henry Moore, 1920th, Britsh Museum.

sold

Height: 98 cm
Weight: 4,6 kg