Figure anthropomorphe "iagalagana" ·  Nigéria, Mumuye · ID: 3046286

Description

wood, pigments, base

“Iagalagana” figures underlined the status and prestige of their owner. They embodied superior tutelary spirits and were used in the most diverse areas.

They helped the sick, predicted the future, attracted rainfall, or made it thunder. They also had a judicial role in a given family by confounding liars and thieves.

The most important task of the figures was to watch over the family estate and protect the residents, as well as all guests who were granted access.

Publications

AHDRC: 0130408