Standing figure · Nigeria, Mumuye · ID: 3035470
Helmut Zimmer, Zurich, Switzerland (1973)
Swiss Private Collection
Description
wood, dark brown patina, remains of red paint, kaolin, characteristic form of the body: elongated slender bust, enclosed by long arms, crested coiffure with side lobes, dam., missing parts (crest, lobes), traces of insect caused damage (arms), cracks, possibly rep. (right leg, area above the navel), socle;
Mumuye figures had to perform at least four functions: to protect the house and greet foreign visitors to the village, to act as partner in discussions concerning divination, to act as a judge during hearings - each of the participants had to hug the figure and take an oath, whereupon the figure would then detect any lie - and finally to act in the process of healing. The sculptures would either stand in front of the smith’s house, or were hidden in the house of one of the rain priests, or in so-called “family” houses of other persons.