A Mumuye sculpture, Nigeria, standing on zigzag-shaped legs. zje columnar torso with a pointed navel,the fin-like, slightly bent arms bent forward, a thick neck,finely worked facial features, beneath a helmet-like "hairstyle"; greyish, partly encrusted patina

Mumuye sculptures originate from the Nigerian Mumuye people who live in northeastern Nigeria. These sculptures are known for their stylized and often abstracted depiction of human figures and are traditionally made from wood. There are several types of Mumuye sculptures, each with different cultural and symbolic meanings. Essentially, the sculptures can be divided into the following types:

1. Ancestor worship figures These sculptures represent the ancestors or spirits who play an important role in the traditional religion of the Mumuye. They are said to act as a link between the world of the living and the ancestors and are often used in rituals to seek the blessings and protection of the ancestors. Such figures are usually very stylized and abstracted, with a high emphasis on symbolism.

2. Warrior Types Some Mumuye sculptures depict warriors or war leaders. These figures may be depicted with weapons, such as spears or swords, and often have an upright posture that symbolizes courage and power. Warrior figures are part of Mumuye cultural history and represent the protection of the tribe and the pursuit of strength.

3. Priests and spiritual leaders In some cases, Mumuye sculptures also depict priests or spiritual leaders. These figures are often more detailed and may carry certain attributes, such as magical tools or ceremonial clothing. They are closely associated with religious ceremonies and ritual practices that are central to the community.

4. Fertility Sculptures Some Mumuye sculptures symbolize fertility and are often designed in the form of female figures. These figures may emphasize female features, such as breasts, hips and abdomen, and are often decorated with symbols representing fertility, growth and the continuation of the family.

5. Animal Figures There are also Mumuye sculptures that depict animals that are considered either totem animals or symbols of certain qualities such as strength, speed or wisdom. These sculptures are often stylized and abstracted, emphasizing the essence of the animal rather than a realistic representation.

6. Abstract or Stylized Human Figures The majority of Mumuye sculptures are highly abstracted, stylized representations of humans. These figures often have exaggerated elongated limbs, geometric shapes and reduced details, making them a striking example of the art of abstraction in African cultures. The emphasis is less on realistic representation and more on symbolic or aesthetic aspects.

7. Mask-like Figures In Mumuye culture, there are also mask-like sculptures that are used for ritual ceremonies. These masks are often decorated with intricate details and symbols and represent a variety of spiritual or social aspects of the community.

8. Healing and protective sculptures This type of sculpture is used to protect the wearer or owner from negative influences, diseases or evil spirits. They are often decorated with religious symbols and mystical signs and are used in certain ritual contexts. Stylistic features * Geometric shapes: Mumuye sculptures often emphasize geometric shapes, especially in the representation of limbs, faces and body structures. * Emphasis on verticality: The figures are often depicted in a vertical posture, which underlines their importance and authority. * Abstraction: The representation of body shapes is highly abstracted, resulting in a kind of "art of omission" in which less concrete details are emphasized in favor of symbolism and conceptuality. These sculptures play a central role in the cultural and religious identity of the Mumuye and are an important expression of their worldview.

sold

Heigth: 80 cm
Weight: 3,5 kg