Large statue - Wood - Mumuye - Nigeria

Statue, Mumuye culture, Nigeria. Height: 110 cm. An imposing, large and powerful Mumuye protective statue from Nigeria. Statues of the Mumuye culture in north-eastern Nigeria appeared on the European art scene in the late 1960s. African art lovers themselves were amazed by discovering the Mumuye’s abstract interpretation of the human body which reminds the anatomy approach of the Expressionist and Cubist artists in the early 20th century. The sculpture is particularly well made, the volumes are superb and inventive. The posture is dignified, the body is long and powerful. It seems ready to move. The face is smooth and soothing. The ears are particularly elongated. Ethnic scarifications on the mouth cracks, cat moustache with three lines. Superb stylized treatment of the chest. There are also some scratched areas, some wood was been removed. They are visible on the pictures: on the back of the skull, at the bottom of the neck in front and behind and on the hips. These samples were taken in order to craft traditional remedies. This attests to the strength and importance of this statue. Some cracks and damages visible on the pictures. A beautiful old and authentic collector’s piece. Circa 1940. Provenance: - A. Wada, Brussels. - M. Gondebeaud, Toulouse.