This statue was carved in the style of the Mumuye people of Nigeria. Unlike neighboring tribes, Mumuye statues do not depict ancestors but instead, their figures represent tutelary spirits. The statue measures 42 inches tall, 43 inches including base, and weighs 7 pounds. The right hand has been broken off along with the right earlobe. There is wear and tear throughout – please inspect photos.
Hand-Carved Mumuye Statue on Base 43″ – Nigeria – African Art
$250.00
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| Type of Object | Figure with base. |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Nigeria |
| Ethnicity | Mumuye |
| Material | Wood, Pigment |
| Approximate Age | Unknown |
| Height (Inches) | 42" figure | 43" on base |
| Width (Inches) | 9" |
| Depth (Inches) | 5.5" |
| Weight (Pounds) | 7 lbs |
| Overall Condition | Part of right hand and earlobe broken. Wear and tear. |
Tribe Information
About the Mumuye People
“Living on the left bank of the Benue River, the 400,000 Mumuye people intensively farm an area of plains. Socially, they are divided into small family groups called Dola, which are headed by a council of elders with an elected leader. The Vabong secret society, of which there are seven grades, regulates Mumuye religious life. Entry into the society is achieved through initiation ceremonies, which include flagellation and an explanation of the meaning of masks and other magical objects.”
Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.
