Anthropomorphic figure - Lot 33

Anthropomorphic figure Mumuye Nigeria Carved wood and pigments Early 20th century Height : 55.5 cm Published: "Mumuye", François Neyt, 2006, p. 70 & 105 --- Anthropomorphic figure Mumuye Nigeria Carved wood and pigments Early 20th century Height: 55.5 cm Published: "Mumuye", François Neyt, 2006, p. 70 & 105 Native to the Cross River region, the Mumuye are considered one of the most ancient peoples of northeastern Nigeria. Their sculptors, known as cholagbayene, rati or sholagwasene, create figures of remarkable formal freedom, reflecting an inventive vision of the human body. Intended for personalities invested with a spiritual or social role, such as diviners, healers or rainmakers, these sculptures, marked by great stylistic diversity, also bear witness to the autonomy and identity specific to the various Mumuye sub-groups. This figure powerfully embodies the plastic tension typical of Mumuye statuary. The head, turned slightly to one side, is topped with a stylized helmet whose folded-down sides form the side ears. The subtle interplay of full and empty emphasizes the expressive power of the piece: arched arms free from the slender bust with its prominent umbilicus, hands resting on flared hips, extended by massive, bent legs. A masterful balance between restrained energy and formal rigor. Originating from the Cross River region, the Mumuye are regarded as one of the oldest ethnic groups of northeastern Nigeria. Their sculptors-known as cholagbayene, rati, or sholagwasene-carved figures of remarkable formal freedom, reflecting an inventive vision of the human body. Intended for individuals with spiritual or social authority-diviners, healers, or rainmakers-these sculptures display a wide stylistic variety, also attesting to the autonomy and distinct identity of the various Mumuye subgroups. This figure powerfully embodies the sculptural tension characteristic of Mumuye statuary. The head, slightly turned to the side, is topped with a stylized helmet whose downward extensions form the lateral ears. The subtle interplay of solid and void enhances the expressive force of the piece: arched arms detached from a slender torso with a pronounced navel, hands resting on flared hips, extended into thick, flexed legs. A masterful balance between contained energy and formal control.