African Arts Gallery

Mumuye statue (N° 22340)

Somewhat abstract sculpture inspired by mumuye shoulder masks, whose head has ears that were distended by labrets, and a hairstyle gathered in a crest. Grainy dark patina encrusted with light pigments.
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.