Description
Mumuye figure, Nigeria Wood H. 89, 5 cm Mumuye figure, Nigeria H. 35 1/4 in According to family tradition, the Mumuye were acquired from Jacques Kerchache. Located south of the Benue, the Mumuye are associated with an inventive and surprising body of sculpture. Individually owned by diviners and healers, the figures were first commissioned and then made by a professional sculptor called Sholagwasene. This elegant and slender figure seems almost to want to dance, so dynamic is its composition. The flattened and elongated head is sculpted with a small face with square eyes and a rectangular mouth. Triangular frieze scarification marks the cheeks on both sides. The disproportionately large ears are carved in a void and extend to the shoulders, showing the sculptor's desire to emphasize one of the primordial senses, hearing. The tubular torso is framed by slightly bent arms, revealing two small suggested elbows. The knees are signified; the legs rest on two small feet.
94
Mumuye figure, Nigeria Wood H. 89, 5 cm Mumuye figure, Nigeria H. 35 1/4 in According to family tradition, the Mumuye were acquired from Jacques Kerchache. Located south of the Benue, the Mumuye are associated with an inventive and surprising body of sculpture. Individually owned by diviners and healers, the figures were first commissioned and then made by a professional sculptor called Sholagwasene. This elegant and slender figure seems almost to want to dance, so dynamic is its composition. The flattened and elongated head is sculpted with a small face with square eyes and a rectangular mouth. Triangular frieze scarification marks the cheeks on both sides. The disproportionately large ears are carved in a void and extend to the shoulders, showing the sculptor's desire to emphasize one of the primordial senses, hearing. The tubular torso is framed by slightly bent arms, revealing two small suggested elbows. The knees are signified; the legs rest on two small feet.
