Couple de figures poteaux "kundul" ·  Nigéria, Plateau de Bauchi, Wurkun (Piya ou Kulung) · ID: 3049738

Description

wood, pigments, base

The Wurkun, so-called by the Jukun, meaning “people of the hills”, are made up of a cluster of ethno-linguistic groups (Piya, Kulung, Kwonci, and Kode), living in the Muri Mountains.

Their “kundul” statues almost always appear in male/ female pairs (the male figure recognisable by its high crest atop the head) and are always mounted on iron spikes.

Typically, “kunduls” are made on the directive of a priest. The person seeking help must purchase a pair or a whole set of such figures for further use in ritual treatments. They are usually made by the blacksmiths.

These anthropomorphic sculptures are used in a variety of rituals, usually concerned with healing and well-being. The ritual expert sprinkles the “kundul” with the blood of a sacrificed chicken and with millet beer. A pot may be placed beside the figure to receive regular beer offerings. Offerings should be repeated annually after harvest. The “kundul” are washed with a solution of water and brown or red clay. Afterwards they are polished with oil made from guna seeds (Cucumis melo).

Littérature comparée

Berns, Marla C. et. al., Arts of the Benue River Valley, Los Angeles 2011, p. 420, 13.4

Publications

AHDRC: 0100992