Standing male figure
Description
wood, blackish-brown encrusted patina, the body consisting of clear defined and symmetrical arranged forms: a horseshoe-shaped leg zone supporting an extremely elongated columnar body with enveloping arms and shovel-like hands, the striking small head with crested coiffure and large pierced ears, slightly dam., cracks, paint rubbed off, small traces of insect caused damage, rep. (parts of the crest and right ear);
Mumuye figures represent various ancestors and cultural heroes who are 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 dispensation of justice, truth telling, healing and rain-making. Accordingly they were kept in the rainmakers house or they were displayed in front of the blacksmiths home.