Figure sculptée poteau "wundul" ou "dumbun" ·  Nigéria, Wurkun · ID: 3041749

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, remains of pigments, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage and abrasion, fine cracks, base;
the Wurkun are well-known for their pairs of male-female figures on iron spikes. Their function is to ensure the well-being of the owner and his family, with a special orientation towards the fertility of the crops. In most cases they were set up in the fields outside the teepee-like structure made of a grass mat, with a large pot for sacrifices nearby. Others were established on shrines within the owner’s compound like the Chambas “tauwa” figures and, like them, were used for curing illness by divination.

Publications

AHDRC: 0141979