Standing female ancestor figure ·  Nigeria, Mumuye · ID: 3039705

Description

wood, partly encrusted blackish-grey patina, traces of white pigment, characteristic posture and form of the body, crested coiffure with massive lobed coiffure, slightly dam., missing parts (both hands, feet), base;
Mumuye figures represent ancestors and cultural heroes thought to be able to control the forces of nature and the affairs of man. They were employed in a variety of contexts. They are associated with jurisdiction, truth telling, healing and rain-making. Accordingly they were kept in the rainmakers house or they were displayed in front of the blacksmiths home.

The object Standing female ancestor figure with the object ID 3039705 was last part of the auction 81st Tribal Art Auction at October 31, 2015 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 342.

You can find more Figures and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.