African Arts Gallery

Mumuye Va buffalo mask, Vabou (N° 19653)

Mumuye zoomorphic masks in African art
Mumuye African masks were used during the ceremonies closing the initiatory periods of the " sons of va "... and during great events. Each group had a mask carved to symbolize its identity, buffalo, monkey, leopard, etc. ... which was called va or vabou . Comparable to the festive mask kaa produced by the Chamba group, it has horns and a large gaping mouth. The eyes are simply hollowed out circularly. Red patina, kaolin residue. Erosion of the upper inner contour.
The statuary emanating from the northwestern region of the Middle Benue, from the Kona Jukun, to the Mumuye and up to the Wurkun populations is characterized 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 ) related to blood and the color red, guardians of the cult vabong , among whom are elected the chiefs, and those of water, ( tjozoza ), related to humidity and the color white. It is among the latter that the priests of the rain are chosen, initiates of the cult vadosong . To be used by both Mumuye groups, the different colors of the same cult object, mask or statue, are applied by each member of the corresponding group.