Standing ancestor figure ·  Nigeria, Mumuye · ID: 3033303

Description

wood, slightly encrusted greyish brown patina, remains of kaolin, typical form and posture, a stylized face with round ears (Mumuye women used to wear such wooden plugs in the ears), the eyes accentuated with kaolin, scarification marks, min. dam., fissures, slight traces of abrasion;
Mumuye figures are employed in a variety of contexts. They are associated with, among other things, rain-making, iron working, healing, initiations, warfare, and the dispensation of justice. They represent various ancestors and cultural heroes who are thought to be able to control the forces of nature and the affairs of man. And like many other Benue figures the sex is often indistinguishable.