Couple of figures ·  Nigeria, Mumuye · ID: 3030980

Description

wood, greyish brown patina, chin with vertical incisions, radial scarifications in the corners of the mouth, large disc-shaped ears, the coiffure arranged in a flat lobe or crest, accentuation of the male gender (in most cases Mumuye figures are asexual), slightly dam., minor missing parts (fingers), insect caused damage, each on wooden plate;
Mumuye figures are all very different but at the same time immediately recognizable. This high degree of stylistic diversity is paralleled by 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.

The object Couple of figures with the object ID 3030980 was last part of the auction 70th tribal art auction at September 8, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 307 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,500.

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Comparing literature

Evers, Christophe, Art of the Upper Benue River, Brüssel 2003, p. 22