A MUMUYE FIGURE

Provenance: private Dutch collection

The elegance of this narrow elongated torso embodies a quality of formal dynamism through slight bilateral asymmetry. Within Nigeria's Benue River Valley region, such representations have been associated with a range of functions, including reinforcement of the status of male elders and use by healers and diviners in arriving at diagnoses. The flexible nature of tradition is reflected in the fact that a single figure may fulfill several roles.

Mumuye people, Nigeria, Pantisawa, Benue River Valley region, Africa
Wood, 0.59 x 0.12 m.

Price: on request