Mumuye Laganagana ancestor figure
African art Mumuye: the ancestors of Biafra
Mumuye Lagalagana statues arrived late on the African art market and have been relatively little studied. However, we know that they represent ancestors. These traditional figures from Nigeria are appreciated for their cubist forms showing great stylistic avant-garde. The piece I am showing you here is no exception: a long cylindrical trunk supported by small zigzag legs. The arms are flat and separated from the trunk.
On the typed face, we see a sagittal cap and on either side of it, strongly marked conical ears corresponding to the retractors worn by Mumuye individuals as seen in the attached context photo.
Piece collected in situ by a German enthusiast.
02112
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1960
- Size
- 51 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal Art Collection Germany
- Condition
- Excellent
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African art Mumuye: the ancestors of Biafra
Mumuye Lagalagana statues arrived late on the African art market and have been relatively little studied. However, we know that they represent ancestors. These traditional figures from Nigeria are appreciated for their cubist forms showing great stylistic avant-garde. The piece I am showing you here is no exception: a long cylindrical trunk supported by small zigzag legs. The arms are flat and separated from the trunk.
On the typed face, we see a sagittal cap and on either side of it, strongly marked conical ears corresponding to the retractors worn by Mumuye individuals as seen in the attached context photo.
Piece collected in situ by a German enthusiast.