Tribal Art

Mumuye statue (N° 23254)

The fascinating design of the mumuye statues is illustrated here in a medium-sized version of beautiful symmetry. The ears distended by labrets envelop a slender face on which are traced summary features. Glossy dark patina. Desication cracks.
The statuary emanating from the northwestern region of the middle Benoué, from the Kona Jukun, to the Mumuye and up to the Wurkun populations is distinguished by a relative absence of ornamentation and a refined stylization. The 100,000 Adamawa language speakers form a group called Mumuye and are grouped into villages, dola, divided into two groups: those of fire (tjokwa) relating to blood and the color red, guardians of the Vabong cult, from among whom are elected the heads,and those of water, (tjozoza), related to humidity and the white color. It is from the latter that the rain priests are chosen, initiates of the vadosong cult. The Mumuye are organized into family groups named dola. Their iagalagana statues were stored in a box, tsafi, reserved for this purpose, while another box, java, housed an individual with magical powers and surrounding himself with ritual objects linked to his function and prestige.