Standing figure · Nigeria, Montol · ID: 3043567
Adrian Schlag, Brussels, Belgium
Serge Schoffel, Brussels, Belgium
Description
light brown wood, remains of blackish brown patina, traces of weathering, missing parts because of insect caused damage (top of the head, left half of the body, right leg), cracks, base.
The Montol live to the north of the Benue and south of the Jos Plateau in a very rugged terrain. Their statues were kept in little round stone houses with a thatched roof (“dodo”) formerly decorated with trophy skulls. These houses were reserved for purposes of worship, out of sight of women and children. They were used to pass sentence after due deliberation, and were also employed in divination rituals organized to find the cause of an illness or to find a cure. The figures belong to a secret male society called “komtin”.
Publications
AHDRC: 0097798
Exhibition
Art from another World, Maastricht, 18-27 March 2011