Pair of figures - Mama - Nigeria - SOLD
Mama in African art
The Mama, also called Kantana, settled on the Jos Plateau. They carry crests in the shape of a stylized animal's head symbolizing the spirits of the bush. Authentic African Mama statues are rare and their function uncertain. They are usually encrusted with a rich patina. Another type of mama statues is meant to be a means of communication with the spirit world. Small statues, attached to iron spikes and planted in the fields, were used to cure or protect growers from snake bites.
Origin : private collection FranceDating : 1960'sSize : 21 x 4 cm Material : wood
00264
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1960
- Size
- Ethnic group
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection France
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Mama in African art
The Mama, also called Kantana, settled on the Jos Plateau. They carry crests in the shape of a stylized animal's head symbolizing the spirits of the bush. Authentic African Mama statues are rare and their function uncertain. They are usually encrusted with a rich patina. Another type of mama statues is meant to be a means of communication with the spirit world. Small statues, attached to iron spikes and planted in the fields, were used to cure or protect growers from snake bites.
Origin : private collection FranceDating : 1960'sSize : 21 x 4 cm Material : wood